Cricket

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have bolstered their bowling attack for the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) by signing seamer Jeremiah Louis. Louis, 28, joins his younger brother Mikyle in the Patriots squad, marking the first time the brothers will play together in the CPL.Jeremiah Louis has played six CPL games between 2016 and 2022, taking three wickets at an average of 38.66 and an economy rate of 9.66. He has also represented Patriots in the 6IXTY competition, where he took four wickets in five games at an economy rate of 10.68 in 2022.Louis is better known for his red-ball skills, having taken 151 wickets in 57 first-class games at an average of 25.43. He was recently called into West Indies' Test squad for their tour of England before he was ruled out with injury.Mikyle Louis has emerged as a promising local batter in his maiden CPL stint, scoring 187 runs in five innings at an average of 37.40 and strike rate of 155.83. Only his Patriots seniors Evin Lewis (191) and Kyle Mayers (204) have scored more runs than Mikyle so far this season.Speaking to ESPNcricinfo last month, Mikyle said Jeremiah is not just a brother but also a mentor and a good friend. "He influenced me in many ways," Mikyle said of Jeremiah. "While I was in my stagnant phase, he was playing for Leeward Islands or West Indies A or President's XI games. He would come back and have a conversation, saying, 'Yo, I bowled to this batsman in the nets. You are not far off, you continue working. Trust me, bro, based on skill you have time to grow.' Those conversations would give me hope and the self-belief that, okay, I'm good enough."Jeremiah's addition bolsters the local pace attack, which has been struggling through this season. Dominic Drakes, Odean, Smith, Ryan John, and Johann Layne have all conceded over 12 an over.Patriots are currently rooted to the bottom of the CPL 2024 points table with just a solitary win in seven games. They had also finished last in CPL 2023 and overall have managed just two wins across the past two seasons.

West Indies Lose Jeremiah Louis to Hamstring Injury, Akeem Jordan Called Up for Final TestWest Indies' hopes of salvaging a draw in the ongoing Test series against England have been dealt a blow with the news that fast bowler Jeremiah Louis has been ruled out of the final match due to a hamstring injury.Louis, who did not feature in the first two Tests, sustained the injury during the second Test at Trent Bridge. The 25-year-old will remain with the squad for further treatment, but his absence leaves a significant void in the West Indies bowling attack.To fill the void, West Indies have opted for a like-for-like replacement, bringing in Akeem Jordan. The 23-year-old pacer was playing cricket in the UK at the time of his call-up and has already joined the squad.Jordan, who is yet to make his Test debut, has impressed in first-class cricket, taking 67 wickets in 19 matches since 2022 at an average of 24.10. His performances include two five-wicket hauls, with a best innings haul of 5 for 44.Apart from Jordan, West Indies have Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, and all-rounder Jason Holder as their seam-bowling options in the squad. However, the visitors face an uphill task in the third Test, trailing 2-0 in the series and having already conceded the Richards-Botham Trophy.West Indies lost the first Test at Lord's by an innings and 114 runs and then suffered a 241-run defeat at Trent Bridge last week. The third and final Test gets underway on Friday, July 26, at Edgbaston.

King Charles III's recent meeting with the West Indies cricket team at Buckingham Palace has garnered attention for an unusual handshake exchange. During the meeting, Charles greeted the players ahead of their first Test match against England at Lord's. While expressing his concern for those affected by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, he also engaged in a unique handshake with West Indies player Jeremiah Louis.The handshake, which has since gone viral on social media, involves a series of intricate steps. Louis first extends his hand, which Charles takes. Louis then rotates his hand clockwise, while Charles follows suit. The handshake concludes with a firm grip and a brief shake.The internet has reacted with amusement and intrigue to the handshake. Some have praised its originality, while others have speculated about its significance. Some have even suggested that it could become a new diplomatic protocol.Beyond the handshake, the meeting also highlighted the upcoming three-match Test series between England and the West Indies, starting July 10th. The opening match at Lord's will mark the retirement Test for legendary English bowler James Anderson. Anderson, who has taken 700 Test wickets, aims to end his red-ball career on a high note.The meeting between King Charles III and the West Indies cricket team has generated both laughter and anticipation. The unique handshake has become a talking point, while the upcoming Test series promises to be a thrilling contest.