Ricky Skerritt resigns as manager

Ricky Skerritt has resigned as West Indies team manager following the defeat in the second Test at Port-of-Spain.

Skerritt, who was appointed in March 2000, said he made his decision to resign following the first Test in Jamaica and informed the West Indian board of his decision on Saturday, confiming it in writing the following day.

"Events following the first Test match in Jamaica have led me to review my role as manager," Skerritt explained, referring to an incident in which four members of the team were spotted partying in the stands following West Indies' embarrassing collapse to 47 all out. "I regret that, despite my best efforts, I have been unable to instill in the entire team the fullest understanding of their obligations on and off the field to the people of the West Indies."

Brian Lara admitted that the news took him by surprise. "He said he felt the team needed new blood and new energy," he said. "All the guys appreciate his hard work and we wish him well. Now we need to focus on the cricket, though, and not worry about things happening off the field, like with the manager or whatever."

Skerritt emphasised his continued commitment to West Indies cricket and his willingness to support whoever succeeds him to ensure a smooth transition. In accordance with the terms of his contract Skerritt's resignation will take effect from the end of June 2004.