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Mikyle Louis was handed a debut as the West Indies took on England in the first Test match at Lord’s that got underway on Wednesday, July 10. Former captain and all-rounder Jason Holder, who missed the earlier Test series in Australia due to other commitments, also made a return to the playing XI. While Louis will face the new ball, Holder will slot in at the number six position.
However, it was not a very pleasant morning for the West Indies as another debutant, Gus Atkinson sparkled with the Dukes and picked up a seven-wicket haul with pace, accuracy, and movement. West Indies collapsed from 88/3 to 121 all out, with Atkinson ending with remarkable figures of 7/45.
Here we take a look at 5 interesting facts about Miklyle Louis.
#5 Historic Debut
Mikyle Louis became the first player from the island of St Kitts to make a Test debut for the West Indies. In the process, he became the first player in the 96 years of Test cricket to don the cap from the Caribbean Islands. Louis received his cap from the legendary Sir Vivian Richards.
The right-hander looked at ease and got underway with a solid off-drive and then showed a glimpse of his range when he flicked a Chris Woakes delivery confidently over square leg. However, Harry Brook took a stunning catch in the slips to end his stay at the crease.
#4 Started his career as a leg-spinner
At just 16 years, Louis made his first List A debut for the West Indies U-19 team. Remarkably he started his career more as a leg-spinner who could wield the willow lower down the order.
Louis could only score 14 runs in the initial few matches since he batted at number 9 as he was primarily a leg spinner. He showcased his bowling talent by picking up three wickets, including figures of 2/45 against the Windward Islands.
Later, he then represented the U-19 side against international opponents - he scored 14 runs off 14 balls against South Africa U-19s in Chatsworth.
#3 The turnaround starts
Louis started to turn things around and had a remarkable first-class debut for the Leewards Islands - he scored 682 runs in seven matches, averaging 48.71. It was a dramatic turnaround and mirrored Australian batter Steve Smith.
His debut innings saw him score just 9 runs, but he hit his straps with a gritty 55. However, it was his second first-class game against Guyana where he showed his ability at the top of the order.
Across two innings against Guyana, Louis scored 113 and 130. He was the star with the bat in Basseterre and got his first Player of the Match award. He finished his first season as the leading run-scorer with 682 runs. He topped his West Indies captain by 100 runs and got the attention of the national selectors.
#2 Gets National Recognition
His remarkable story saw another chapter when even before he made his national debut. He received significant accolades from the government of St Kitts and Nevis and this included a national recognition award which was a $10,000 grant.
He could well have a road as well as a stand at Warner Park Cricket Stadium named in his honor.
#1 Not the only Louis to be included in the Test squad
Mikyle Louis is not the only Test cricketer in his family. Ahead of the first Test, his brother Jeremiah Louis was also named as a replacement for the injured Kemar Roach. This was a poignant moment for the Louis family in West Indies cricket.
Louis made his senior debut for the Hurricanes against Trinidad & Tobago Red Force nearly a decade ago. He is a right-arm medium-fast bowler and has been considered to be an able replacement for Kemar Roach.
He did not get into the playing XI but has played 57 first-class matches, taking 151 wickets.
