ST JOHN’S, Antigua — The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has appointed Australian, Stuart Law as head coach for the West Indies senior men’s team. His two-year contract takes effect on Wednesday, February 15.

Law says he is happy to be a part of the West Indies set up and is “…excited at the opportunity to contribute to what I think is an interesting time for West Indies I think this assignment has come at an important time of my career.”

The 48-year-old played one Test and 54 one-day-internationals during a period when Australia was rising to reign over world cricket.

In his coaching career, Law previously served as head coach for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh senior teams, and most recently was the batting coach for the Australian men’s team to Sri Lanka in 2016.

The WICB says that as head coach for the West Indies team, his core function will include improved team results while providing leadership to players and team management.

He completes the senior technical team headed by newly-appointed director of cricket, Jimmy Adams and chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne.

Law, a former middle order batsman, is in the unique position of not having a batting Test average, having played only one Test, filling in for the injured Steve Waugh.

He was, however, a successful captain in Australia’s domestic cricket with five first class and two one day titles, additionally scoring the most runs at that level — 27,080 in 367 matches. He was also named one of five Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1998.

Outgoing director of cricket, Richard Pybus who sat as part of the selection panel says: “We are delighted to welcome Stuart to West Indies Cricket, he comes at an exciting and critical time in the development of the WI men’s team, with the emergence of some outstanding young talent, as seen in the most recent test series against Pakistan.

“He has great experience and breadth of knowledge as a player and coach and his cross-cultural experience and winning attitude will be key assets in the development of the team.”

Law replaces former coach Phil Simmons, whose contract was terminated by the WICB with immediate effect on September 10 last year.