Former Windies cricketers say high-level coaching will boost the sport in the region
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Two former West Indies cricketers say a high-level coaching programme currently under way in Barbados will be a vital springboard towards enhancing the standard of cricket in the Caribbean.
Winston Benjamin and Robert Samuels are among 20 regional coaches and former players attending the Level III programme at the West Indies High Performance Centre on the Cave Hill Campus of the University of The West Indies.
The sessions are being staged by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in collaboration with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
“This is a great course. This course could be a springboard to better things in West Indies cricket. The coaches here are very enthusiastic and willing to learn and take the game forward,” said Benjamin, who played 21 Tests and 85 ODIs between 1987 and 1995.
“Coaching is what I’m all about. I love this aspect of the game and I enjoy my role. I’m happy to give back to the game. Cricket wasn’t my first love, but I was good at the game and I enjoyed my playing time; now the time has come for me to contribute in another way to West Indies cricket.”
Courtney Walsh, the legendary fast bowler and former Test captain, is one of the former players attending the Level III programme.
The other former players participating are: Tony Gray, Colin Stuart, Ezra Moseley, and Henderson Bryan.
“It is really good to see the WICB and ECB are putting on this Level III coaching course for the coaches of the West Indies. I believe this is a step in the right direction as we look to strengthen the game in the Caribbean. This is the way to go and I am really pleased to be part of it,” said Samuels, 45, a former Jamaica captain who played six Tests and eight ODIs between 1996 and 1997.
“One of the key areas we have focused on is ‘individuality’ and how to enhance the individual player’s game. We have looked at what’s best for the player and how to get the best out of that player.”
The list of attendees at the training includes one female coach, Samantha Lynch of St Vincent & the Grenadines.
