St John’s, Antigua – The WICB announced that legendary former opening batsman Desmond Haynes has joined the West Indies team as Batting Consultant for the Digicel Series 2011. Haynes, an outstanding opener in his playing days, will be working with the West Indies senior team batsmen under Head Coach Ottis Gibson.
Former opening batsman Desmond Haynes. - Brooks La Touche Photography and WindiesCricket.com
He was part of the Windies camp in Barbados last week and he will be engaged for the duration of the Digicel Series. Following the Digicel Series the WICB will commence the search for a full time Batting Coach for the West Indies team.
Haynes said: “I have always said I wanted to be involved in West Indies cricket and help in any way I could. This is a chance to help the young players with their development. I just want to see the players get better as we aim for improvement at all levels in West Indies cricket and get the team back to the halcyon days.”
He added: “I am happy to be part of the Team Management Unit, headed by Ottis, and I believe I can also help the players with the mental aspect of their game and the way they go about their cricket in general. This is a chance to make a contribution and I’m pleased to be given the opportunity to be involved in West Indies cricket once more.”
In his career for West Indies, Haynes played 116 Test matches and made 7,487 runs at an average of 42.29 per innings. He made 18 centuries. He also played 238 ODIs and made 8,648 runs, at 42.37 per innings with 17 centuries.
Haynes had worked with South African all rounder Jacques Kallis, batsman Herschelle Gibbs and young West Indian batsman Darren Bravo among other international cricketers.
The West Indies team arrived in St Lucia on today as they continue prepare for the upcoming Digicel Series against Pakistan.
Squad for Digicel T20 International: Darren Sammy (Captain), Christopher Barnwell, Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Andre Fletcher, Danza Hyatt, Ashley Nurse, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Krishmar Santokie, Lendl Simmons
Squad for 1st and 2nd Digicel ODIs: Darren Sammy (Captain), Dwayne Bravo (Vice Captain), Carlton Baugh, Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Kirk Edwards, Anthony Martin, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Devon Smith
Team Management Unit: Ottis Gibson (Head Coach), Richie Richardson (Team Manager), David Williams (Assistant Coach), Desmond Haynes (Batting Consultant), C.J. Clark (Physiotherapist), Hector Martinez Charles (Strength & Conditioning Co-ordinator), Richard Berridge (Video & Statistical Analyst), Philip Spooner (Media Manager), Virgil Browne (Massage Therapist)
Digicel Series Schedule
April 18: Pakistan v Vice Chancellor’s XI (50 over) – Mindoo Phillip Park
April 21: Digicel Twenty20 – Beausejour Cricket Ground
Digicel ODI Series
April 23: First Digicel ODI – Beausejour Cricket Ground
April 25: Second Digicel ODI – Beausejour Cricket Ground
April 28: Third Digicel ODI – Kensington Oval
May 2: Fourth Digicel ODI – Kensington Oval
May 5: Fifth Digicel ODI – Guyana National Stadium
May 8-9: Two-day practice match – Bourda Cricket Ground
Digicel Tests
May 12-16: First Digicel Test – Guyana National Stadium
May 20-24: Second Digicel Test – Warner Park