Guyana Jaguars Head Coach, Rayon Griffith is optimistic about his impact on the West Indies team after being promoted to Assistant Coach of the senior side for the Ireland Tri-series.
Griffith’s appointment was announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday, just five days after CWI President, Ricky Skerritt revealed a number of changes including the sacking of interim head coach, Richard Pybus and the appointment of Floyd Reifer as head coach on an interim basis.
The appointments, according to Skerritt are expected to begin with the Tri-Series and carry into the 2019 ICC World Cup and India’s tour of the Caribbean soon after.
Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams said, “CWI have, in consultation with interim Head Coach Floyd Reifer, assembled a strong support group of coaches to work with the squad for the Tri-Series against Ireland and Bangladesh as we prepare for the World Cup. This support group will continue throughout the ICC Cricket World Cup in England.
Griffith, 40, is a level Three Coach and has featured in the Amazon Warriors set up for the Caribbean Premier League and West Indies A since becoming a coach over a decade ago. The former fast bowler told Stabroek Sport that this is a step in the right direction for his career on a personal note, but on the wider scope of things, he is confident in his ability to contribute positively towards the development of West Indies cricket. He also expressed gratitude to the Almighty whom he credits for guiding him in his journey.
Griffith pointed out that preparation has always been the hallmark of his career and that he has continuously dedicated his energies towards improving the trade.
The newly appointed assistant coach said, he is prepared to deal with the rigours of working with the team, particularly in his role with respect to fielding, noting that West Indies are among the trendsetters when it comes to fielding.
Griffith added that he is eager to work along with Reifer, having collaborated in the past at the West Indies A team level.
He explained that the energy that comes from an environment with Reifer is one which makes situations comfortable and allows an open forum where opinions and suggestions are solicited in order to get results.
The Coaching Staff and Team Management: Floyd Reifer- Interim Head Coach, Roddy Estwick – Assistant Coach, Corey Collymore – Assistant Coach (Fast Bowling), Rayon Griffith – Assistant Coach (Fielding), Mushtaq Ahmed – Assistant Coach (Spin Bowling), Rawl Lewis – Team Manager, Dr. Oba Gulston – Physiotherapist, Corey Bocking – Strength and Conditioning Coach, Dexter Augustus – Video and Data Analyst, Steven Sylvester – Sports Psychologist and Zephyrinus Nicholas – Massage Therapist.
