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Cricket West Indies (CWI) today appointed legendary former West Indies cricketer Dr Desmond Haynes as its new chief selector for the Senior Men’s Team.
Haynes, a former senator in the Barbados Parliament, will lead the selection panel until 30 June 2024—a period that includes the 2022 and 2024 T20 World Cups, the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the 2023 World Test Championship Final.
(Copyright SW Londoner)
Roger Harper served as the CWI’s lead selector up until last month, while head coach Phil Simmons discharged the responsibilities in the interim.
Haynes lifted the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy with West Indies in 1979 while he was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in June 2021. He told the CWI Media that he was honoured to serve.
“I would like to thank president [Ricky] Skerritt and the CWI Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to serve West Indies cricket once again,” said Haynes, who also captained the West Indies in four Test matches. “Being a selector is a thankless task, but a critical role in our cricket system and I am honoured to be appointed. I have always indicated that I would assist West Indies cricket in any way possible and I see this as an opportunity to do just that.
“I pledge to carry out my duties in a fair and professional manner.”
Haynes, one of the game’s greatest opening batsmen, played 116 Test matches and 238 One-day Internationals for West Indies between 1978 and 1994. In Tests, he scored 7,487 runs, including 18 centuries, along with 8,648 runs in ODIs, including 17 centuries.
(Copyright Wisden)
Skerritt is anxious for the regional team to benefit from Haynes’ cricket knowledge.
“I am delighted to confirm that the Most Honourable Dr Desmond Haynes has agreed to re-join the CWI cricket system as the lead selector,” said Skerritt. “His cricket knowledge and experience are second to none, and I am confident that Desmond is the right man for the right job at the right time.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors and all stakeholders, I wish Desmond every success as he commences his important lead role, which starts immediately.
“I want to also take this opportunity to thank Roger Harper and Miles Bascombe for their commitment and integrity whilst they served on the panel over the past two years.”
Haynes will be assisted by former West Indies middle order batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan, who was confirmed as a selector for the men’s and youth cricket panels on 7 January. Sarwan will also serve CWI until 30 June 2024.
“I want to thank CWI and everyone involved for giving me this opportunity to again serve West Indies cricket, as a member of the selection panels,” Sarwan told the CWI Media. “I’m passionate about the game of cricket and especially West Indies cricket and once asked to contribute, I didn’t hesitate.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues, the Most Hon Dr Desmond Haynes and Mr Robert Haynes, and the two head coaches—as well as everyone else involved in the development of this sport we love and respect so much.”
Skerritt expressed delight that Sarwan agreed to come on board.
“He is a student of the game, and knows what is required of our young cricketers in order to achieve international success,” said the CWI president. “The Board of Directors are confident that Mr Sarwan will add enormous value to the cricket system.”
At present, the West Indies are preparing to host the Republic of Ireland and England in limited overs matches, which start on Saturday in Jamaica.
(West Indies squads)
CG Insurance ODIs vs Ireland:
Kieron Pollard (captain), Shai Hope (vice-captain), Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas.
Covid-19 Reserves: Keacy Carty, Sheldon Cottrell.
T20Is vs Ireland and England:
Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicholas Pooran (vice-captain), Fabian Allen (England T20Is only), Darren Bravo (England T20Is only), Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Jason Holder, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr.
Covid-19 Reserves: Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, Devon Thomas.
Match Schedule
Ireland Series at Sabina Park, Jamaica
January 8: 1st CG Insurance ODI (9:30am local time/10:30am Eastern Caribbean)
January 11: 2nd CG Insurance ODI (9:30am local time/10:30am Eastern Caribbean)
January 14: 3rd CG Insurance ODI (9:30am local time/10:30am Eastern Caribbean)
January 16: one-off T20I (4pm local time/5pm Eastern Caribbean)
(Copyright AFP)
England Series at Kensington Oval, Barbados
January 22: 1st T20I (4pm local time/3pm Jamaica)
January 23: 2nd T20I (4pm local time/3pm Jamaica)
January 26: 3rd T20I (4pm local time/3pm Jamaica)
January 29: 4th T20I (4pm local time/3pm Jamaica)
January 30: 5th T20I (4pm local time/3pm Jamaica)
Editor’s Note: Story updated after confirmation on the hiring of Ramnaresh Sarwan as a West Indies selector on 7 January 2022.
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The man’s cricketing knowledge and acumen is among the very best available in the W.I. This however does not address the issues related to the existing ‘talent’ pool he has available to choose from. I wonder if his knowledge and experience wouldn’t be better served in the area of nurturing and even developing young future talents.