Recently appointed Territorial Development Officer (TDO) for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Monty Lynch yesterday said he aims to revamp the state of cricket in the country by giving it a breath of fresh air.
Lynch, a former West Indies/England cricketer represented the English county club Surrey and featured in three ODIs for England. He also enjoyed stints in Zimbabwe Cricket and participated in a rebel South African tour in which he represented the West Indies.
Lynch also possesses a Level three coaching degree from the England Cricket Board.
In an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport, the TDO said his areas of interest are the younger cricketers and remodelling the structure of the National Team.
Lynch said “emphasis will be placed on the entire outlook of cricket in the country; however the nursery system which includes kiddies’ cricket and those playing under the levels of 15, 17 and 19 will be focused on exclusively”.
When asked about why he thinks this move is vital, Lynch said, ”we need to assess the dedication, responsibility and sacrifice that these youngsters display so we can ensure we give them the support and nurturing they need to become the best future cricketers for Guyana and the West Indies”.
Another issue that has been plaguing cricket recently is the fitness level of players. Lynch said he will “take 24 players from the U15, U17 and U19 and bring them together every eight weeks for a weekend camp so they can be assessed with regards to what they have been doing to maintain their fitness during that period”.
Speaking on the topic of the weather which usually affects play during the May/June period, the TDO said “the country needs an indoor cricket facility with ‘up to date‘ equipment which will enable players to maintain their form even if the weather prohibits outdoor play”.
Lynch also stated that he will be seeking to work along with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in order to have more level one coaches operating in the clubs, stating “I would like to see more level one and two coaches working along with the youngsters, we also will be allowing players to be a part of this so they can be coaches for themselves and eventually others.”
Plans for the rebirth of school cricket are also in the new TDO’s sights as he stated “programmes for kiddies’ cricket are in motion as we have outlined two school terms every term where we will set up various clinics reiterating Physical Education across the school systems that will have students partake in this activity at a particular time and day that will be chosen.
Lynch spoke about the importance of relationships in and out of the “dressing room” saying “it’s important to bring players, coaches and persons involved in cricket together as a family, this will make players more respectful towards the sport while treating each other with respect due“. This, he said, will be done by starting weekly programmes to encourage this endeavour.
He said that “that he intends to work hard with the guys”, saying that “the fortunes of the team will not turn from bad to good overnight, it is a process that I will be a part of to ensure the glory days return”.
Adding that “Cricket matches are not won on the pitch, but in the gym, in the nets and in the hearts of those desirous of making a difference“.
