BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC):

André Coley, the former Jamaica and West Indies youth wicket-keeper and current Under-19 team coach, believes the recent Cricket World Cup has led to an injection of enthusiasm into the game in Jamaica.

"We have seen a shift in the team. The number of players representing Jamaica are coming from the rural areas," Coley told CMC Sports.

"They are involved in much more cricket. Overall, we have seen a much more keener interest following the Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean."

He said that quite a few players from the current Jamaica squad had a tremendous future if they were harnessed and nurtured properly.

"Andre Creary, who was the MVP for the last two years in the Regional Under-15 tournaments; Garth Garvey, a medium-pacer; Jamie Merchant, a specialist off-spinner who is also a capable batsman; Jason Dawes, a fast bowler -these are definitely some players to look out for the future," Coley added.

The 32-year-old Coley was summoned from India four weeks ago by the Jamaica Cricket Association to assist in the youth team's preparation for the tournament.

He was on the subcontinent at the MRF Pace Foundation, a fast bowling camp run by former Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee.

His stint as head coach is the first such for Coley.

Coley represented the West Indies Under-19 team in 1993 and 1995 and played eight first-class and four one-day matches for Jamaica.