Leeward Islands Hurricanes take on T&T’s Red Force for West Indies Championship preview

The Leeward Islands Hurricanes will face the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in a highly-anticipated three-match series in Antigua, marking the start of the 2026 West Indies Championship on Sunday.

The opening contest will take place at Coolidge Cricket Ground, where the Hurricanes will be led by a new captain. A Cricket West Indies press release shared that Barbadian all-rounder Justin Greaves, aged 32, takes charge of the team for the first time since joining the franchise three years ago. He described the appointment as a significant honour and expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, noting that he expects guidance from experienced teammates. Greaves added that leadership has always been part of his mindset and that he intends to set the example through his performances.

According to CWI, the last time these two sides met, the match ended in a run-filled draw that produced more than 1,100 runs. Joshua Da Silva scored centuries in both innings, while veteran Jason Mohammed contributed a double century. In response, the Hurricanes mounted a strong showing with an opening stand exceeding 200 runs, as Mikyle Louis and Kadeem Henry both reached three figures. Both batsmen are included again in the current 13-man squad, alongside Jewel Andrew, who recently struck a double century in trial matches, and Karima Gore, who also impressed with a century in warm-up games.

Reportedly, Greaves believes the squad has the depth and balance required to compete effectively throughout the series. He emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline, improving with each match, and handling individual contests within the game as the series progresses.

The release shared that the Red Force, meanwhile, bring considerable experience, with nine players who have represented at the international level. Greaves acknowledged the challenge posed by their seasoned fast bowlers but sees the series as an opportunity for his side to showcase its capabilities. He stressed that the Hurricanes consider themselves among the stronger teams in the region and must back that belief with consistent execution.

It has been two decades since Trinidad and Tobago last topped the Regional Four-Day Championship standings, and they will be aiming to change that in 2026. CWI said that their campaign last season fell short after a defeat to the Jamaica Scorpions in the penultimate round derailed their title push.

Captain Joshua Da Silva highlighted the importance of a strong start this time, noting that with only three matches scheduled, there is little margin for error.

“We have a very well-balanced team, we are covered in all areas, experienced in the batting to go with our senior West Indies fast bowlers and our spinners who have been doing well for us,” said Da Silva.

One notable addition is Evin Lewis, who is set to return to first-class cricket after nearly ten years. Da Silva welcomed his inclusion, pointing to a renewed work ethic and strong form in training. He also emphasized Lewis’s positive influence within the dressing room and the value of his experience to the team environment, saying, “he really brings us together.”

Recent history slightly favours the Hurricanes, who have won two of the last four meetings between the teams, with the other two ending in draws. However, CWI said that the Red Force view this upcoming series as an opportunity to reset and build momentum. Da Silva underlined that success will depend on focusing on the present, maintaining consistency, and executing fundamentals over extended periods rather than dwelling on past results.

With the championship about to begin and both sides eager to assert themselves, the stage is set for an intense and competitive series.

Leeward Islands Hurricanes Squad
Justin Greaves (Captain)
Jewel Andrew
Keacy Carty
Rahkeem Cornwall
Daniel Doram
Nathan Edward
Karima Gore
Jahmar Hamilton
Kadeem Henry
Jeremiah Louis
Mikyle Louis
Kelvin Pitman
Oshane Thomas

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force Squad
Joshua Da Silva (Captain)
Yannic Cariah
Bryan Charles
Cephas Cooper
Jyd Goolie
Terrence Hinds
Joshua James
Amir Jangoo
Evin Lewis
Jason Mohammed
Anderson Phillip
Khary Pierre
Jayden Seales

Match Schedule
Match 1: April 12–15, 2026 – Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua
Match 2: April 19–22, 2026 – Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
Match 3: April 26–29, 2026 – Antigua Recreation Ground, Antigua