The Island side will be one of five nations battling out in the Europe Regional Final in the Netherlands next month, from which two countries will progress to next year’s tournament in India and Sri Lanka.
‘It’s a huge prize – the chance to be facing the best players from the best teams on the biggest stage in world T20 cricket,’ said Guernsey team manager Rob Thomson.
The squad shows one change from that which came so close to winning the Inter-Insular Cup T20I Series in Jersey this month with Alex Bushell coming in for Charlie Simmonds.
Young fast bowler Charlie Forshaw, who missed the matches at Grainville due to exams, is also added to the group.
‘We have confidence in the 15 players we have selected and are looking forward to getting to the Netherlands and taking on the other four teams,’ said captain Ollie Nightingale.
‘We have tried hard to increase the depth in the squad, and it feels like we’re starting to see that now.
‘We go with no pressure on us and are excited to build on the progress we have made over the last 18 months.’
Guernsey face Scotland, Italy, Jersey and host nation the Netherlands in the round-robin tournament that runs from 5-11 July at Sportpark Westvliet, Voorburg.
Thomson is pleased that the selectors have been able to pick their strongest possible squad.
‘We have all our key players, everyone is fit, they are all in great form, and they are all totally focused,’ he said.
‘All the build-up so far this season, all the effort and commitment in every training session and each match – it’s all geared towards this tournament.
‘This will be the culmination of all the hard work everyone has put in – and we’ll be ready for the challenge.’
The Darwin Escapes-sponsored squad continue their preparations this coming week with a series of T20 matches against a National Counties squad – the Challengers. The first game will be at 4pm tomorrow at the KGV before a double-header on Thursday at 1pm and 5pm.
Guernsey squad
Ollie Nightingale (captain), Martin-Dale Bradley (vice-captain), Luke Bichard, Charlie Birch, Alex Bushell, Josh Butler, Zak Damarell, Ben Ferbrache, Ben Fitchet, Charlie Forshaw, Harry Johnson, Adam Martel, Tom Nightingale, Ant Stokes, Matt Stokes.
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