Caribbean Twenty20 champions Trinidad and Tobago, currently preparing for the upcoming Champions League T20 qualifiers in India, will face Afghanistan and Canada in a three-way series, starting on August 9 in Canada.
T&T manager Omar Khan confirmed that the matches will form part of the side’s preparations for the Champions League qualifiers.
Khan said the team to travel to Canada will be named on Wednesday and he was very happy with the commitment shown by the players at two trial matches staged on Saturday at the National Cricket Centre.
“After looking at the players on Saturday, I am very happy with the level of commitment and the focus shown,” he said.
“The batsmen were among the runs, as we had good scores from the Ganga brothers (Daren and Sherwin), as well as William Perkins.
“The bowling was also very good and we are happy with what we are seeing so far. The boys are all keen to get into the team for the qualifiers and this is very healthy indeed for the team.
“Their intensity level was high on Saturday and I can tell you the battle for places on the team is really fierce.”
The players will have another chance today to convince the national selection panel as they play two more trial matches at the NCC in Balmain.
Two more trial matches will take place on Wednesday and another two on Thursday, all at the same venue.
Khan welcomed the series in Canada: “This trip will serve the boys well. The two teams we are up against played good cricket at the last T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and we are going to get a good work out.
“Also, it is important to give the players the chance to play outside the country and have them ready for touring.”
Trinidad and Tobago won the CT20 held in Barbados earlier this year, qualifying for the CLT20.
T&T had represented the Caribbean two years ago in India when they reached the Final, only to lose to New South Wales Blues from Australia.
The qualification series gets going on September 19 and the main tournament bowls off on September 23.