In brief: Batter Asa Tribe has been recalled to Jersey’s 14-man squad for the final round of the ICC World Cup Challenge League A in Nairobi later this month. Jersey head the standings after winning eight of their ten matches, with the top two sides progressing to the World Cup qualifier play-off. Their campaign begins on 23 October against Papua New Guinea.
Tribe Returns After England Lions Stint
The BBC reports that Asa Tribe, 22, has not featured for Jersey since their defeat against the Netherlands in July 2025, having since established himself as a regular for England Lions while playing county cricket for Glamorgan. His return to the island setup will be a welcome boost as Jersey push for a place in the 2027 Cricket World Cup qualifier play-off.
Not everyone has been so fortunate, however. All-rounder Nick Greenwood misses out entirely, the BBC notes, as he is currently playing club cricket in Wellington, New Zealand. Selection headaches of a pleasant variety, one might say, when your players are busy representing England Lions and competing on the other side of the world.
Head coach Neil McRae expressed confidence in the group he has assembled. “We have selected a well balanced squad,” he said. “The squad is looking to build on the experience gained in competitive 50-over fixtures during the summer with strong performances in Kenya this month.”
Top of the Table, Eyes on Nairobi
Jersey travel to Kenya as leaders of Challenge League A, having won eight of their ten matches in the league so far. Of the six teams in the group, only the top two will advance to the World Cup qualifier play-off, meaning every match in this final round carries considerable weight.
Before the competitive fixtures begin, Jersey will sharpen up with two warm-up matches against Ugandan opposition. Their five-match final round then opens on 23 October against Papua New Guinea in Nairobi, followed by fixtures against hosts Kenya, Kuwait, Denmark and Qatar.
The full squad named by the BBC is as follows: Charles Perchard (captain), Toby Britton, Charlie Brennan, Harrison Carlyon, Jake Dunford (wicketkeeper), Jonty Jenner, Josh Lawrenson, Will Perchard, George Richardson, Julius Sumerauer, Asa Tribe, Zak Tribe, Scott van Breda and Ben Ward.
The Road to the 2027 World Cup
Jersey’s ambitions for the 2027 50-over Cricket World Cup have been building steadily throughout this Challenge League campaign. Topping the group at this stage is no small achievement, and the squad’s blend of experienced island cricketers alongside a player of Tribe’s recent pedigree suggests the coaching staff have assembled a genuinely competitive unit for the decisive stretch.
For Jersey supporters, the prospect of their island competing in World Cup qualifier play-offs is the kind of story that deserves far more attention than it typically receives. Cricket may not dominate the back pages here, but a small island sitting top of an international qualifying group, with players good enough to attract England Lions interest, is something worth celebrating.
Source: BBC News
