Viv's plan (16 June 1999)

16 June 1999

Viv's plan

Tony Cozier in London

Left to Sir Viv Richards, as it could well eventually be, there would be a wholesale shake-up in West Indies cricket, from board down to team.

Asked by host John Inverdale on the BBC TV programme On Side, what was the first thing he would do if he was told to take over the West Indies team, the straight-talking, no-nonsense former West Indies captain replied: "Half would go. I personally believe that we need a complete change, a complete shake-up."

In Sir Viv's opinion: "The individuals today don't quite realise what cricket means to the Caribbean. Until they realise that, they should take a back seat."

The West Indies Cricket Board also needed to "get its act together", he added.

"If you have a professional board, you'll have a professional team," he said.

"The board has been a little unprofessional at times, so what can you ask of the players then? We've got to get these things in place."

Sir Viv took over as West Indies coach during the current World Cup following the hospitalisation of his former teammate, Malcolm Marshall, for the removal of a tumour on his colon.

He said he would be interested in a permanent appointment if offered.

He was in charge for only one match, against Australia in the first round. The West Indies lost it and went out of the tournament.

"I think you might find it was the shortest stint of any coach, but I enjoyed it," he said. "It gave me a chance to get to know the guys so that if I'm ever again asked to do the job, I would understand the individuals a little bit more."

What he saw clearly did not please him.

He said the people in the Caribbean - "the people in the fields with their radios and things like that" - were very disappointed with the team's World Cup failure.

Source :: The Barbados Nation (https://www.nationnews.com/)