– Three new associate selectors named
Following the unsuccessful blooding of inexperienced players by the West Indies (WI) on the recent tour to New Zealand, vice president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron yesterday announced that the WICB will be embarking upon a new selection policy.
Cameron, who along with other high ranking WICB officials including president Dr. Julian Hunte, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Donald Peters, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Barry Thomas and secretary Steven Camacho addressed the media after a two-day WICB Directors retreat said that many decisions had been taken.
He said that while the management team of the board did not interfere with the choices of the selectors, they will now look to have an input, although they will not attempt to sway the minds of the selectors to see things their way.
Meanwhile, CEO of the WICB, Dr. Peters, speaking exclusively to Stabroek Sports, said that following the failure of young players like Shaun Findlay who made only 11 runs on the recent tour of New Zealand averaging 5.5 some decisions will have to be made.
The 24-year-old Findlay, who was thrust into the limelight against Australia last July, has managed only 146 runs in eight innings at an average of 20.85. Findlay, who according to many, was picked on potential rather than performance has a 10-match first-class career where he averages 15.61 with a solitary half century and 281 runs to his name.
Another player Keiron Pollard, averaged 6.50 against New Zealand after scoring a mere 26 runs in the four matches he played. The 21-year-old Pollard who is known for his explosive innings in the Caribbean has failed to make it on the big stage managing 47 runs from seven innings with an average of 6.71.
Peters said that recommendations will now be made to have certain criterion put in place before players can be selected to the senior team. Apart from appearances, an age eligibility clause might be introduced which will see no teenagers playing for the WI senior team. This, Dr. Peters said will have to get the blessing of the full board and it might be introduced by mid year.
And the WICB, in its drive to have the best team selected has named three former WI test players as associate selectors to join the panel headed by Guyanese Clyde Butts.
The three named back in July 2008 are former Leeward Islands opening batsman Stuart Williams, former Jamaican off-spinner Nehemiah Perry and Engliand-born former Barbados wicketkeeper Courtney Browne.
Browne, who played 20 tests and 46 One Day Internationals (ODI’s) for the West Indies will be sent to grounds to observe the present regional tournament.
The present selection panel which is headed by Clyde Butts also includes Raphick Jumadeen and Robert Haynes.
