Coach King not sure of taking up post

LONDON: Australian Bennett King has accused West Indies cricket authorities of jumping the gun by announcing his appointment as coach, the BBC reported yesterday. King, currently in charge of the Australian Academy, said he had yet to make up his mind whether to accept the job.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) said on Monday that King had been appointed to the post “subject to completion of contractual negotiations”. But King said he felt the announcement was premature. “As far as I’m concerned I’m their preferred candidate, but no terms and conditions have been spoken about or offered,” he commented. “It’s a decision I need to make in my own time.” Former West Indies Test batsman Gus Logie will coach the side in the forthcoming Test series against Australia and Sri Lanka after previous incumbent Roger Harper turned down an offer to continue. The Caribbean side then have a break before touring Zimbabwe and South Africa in October. King, who led state side Queensland to consecutive domestic First-Class titles, emphasised he had not ruled out taking the job. “I love coaching and the international arena is the highest you can go,” he said. “Whether the time is right now I’ve still to decide,” King told the BBC.