Dear Editor,
I was pondering the following questions: Was there was an explanation for not appointing a Head Coach for the World Cup even if it had to be only for that limited period? Why did WI cricket fans hear nothing about the status of their best fast bowler, Kemar Roach, during the later stages of the world Cup? Why is the support staff for the WI team smaller than that for any other team? Why was a completely inexperienced captain appointed weeks before the World Cup began? Why was Narine`s decision not to join the squad for the World Cup apparently accepted with such equanimity?
Why did obvious repetitious demonstrations of intemperate stroke play by batsmen not indicate the need for professional assistance of some kind? Why in the absence of a Fielding Coach, which every other team has, were two of the best fieldsmen, Bravo and Pollard, excluded from a 15-man squad?
I read the following statement from Gayle who, because he is not the most articulate spokesman, never seems to catch the attention of the WICB or journalists with his most important observations except when they are in their punitive mindset: “If we had a better plan or structure chasing these sorts of targets, it could have helped us in some sort of way.”
I have read so many positive things about Phil Simmons that I am very pleased that he has been chosen for the position of Head Coach. He must understand, however, that the needs of WI cricket extend far beyond a Head Coach. A proper support staff is sorely needed if the WI team is going to compete seriously in international cricket. Without it the sad spectacle of talented cricketers repeating errors of judgment, and batsmen getting out in the same fashion game after game, will continue unabated. The “plan or structure” that Gayle is talking about is not limited to “chasing these sorts of targets.”
Yours faithfully,
Romain Pitt
