strike by players get holding bouncer

EX-WEST INDIES fast bowling sensation Michael Holding questioned the West Indies Board advertisement for an assistant coach before selecting one.

Speaking at the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) charity dinner on Wednesday night, Holding told a packed audience: “Why wasn’t the post of assistant coach advertised by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) prior to the selection.” Trinidadian Gus Logie was made assistant coach and the WICB announced that Australian Bennet King would be head coach. Since then King has said he wasn’t interested in coaching West Indies, and Logie is performing the role of coach for the current series against Australia and later Sri Lanka.

WICB president Wes Hall in his address answered Holding saying: “We didn’t advertise the position of assistant coach because we were not going to name one, but every prospective candidate interviewed said they would like an assistant if given the job.” Holding congratulated the WICB for having a lot more of the former players take an active role in the running of regional cricket and said things are  moving forward under the new administration.

The man dubbed “Whispering Death” in his heyday told the players he hated “player strikes” and said that it must be an absolute last resort when coming to dealing with the players affairs.  He also advised the president of WIPA Dinanath Ramnarine to embrace all cricketers in the region. “For this association and West Indies cricket to go forward you must embrace all the players of the region not only the Test players. You must have the under-19s and other youth teams in your association so you can teach them and give them the proper guidance.  “You must be able to talk to them, let them know how important it is to represent the West Indies.”

Hall welcomed WIPA into the world of industrial relations and added that they must include every player who played Test cricket for the West Indies since its inception in 1928. “Everyone of the players must be included and also the young ones” Michael said. “You must get to them and teach them the game of life, not only negotiate financial terms.” Former Australian Test player David Hookes also addressed the gathering and brought greetings from the Australian Players Association.

WIPA president Ramnarine hailed the dinner as a tremendous success and treasurer Wavell Hinds handed over a cheque for US$15,000 to Clive Pantin of FEEL the chosen charity on the night. Ramnarine said WIPA is not against the West Indies Board and has been  formed to work together with the WICB for the upliftment of West Indies cricket. “There is much to do if we are to regain our rightful place at the top of world cricket. If we are to succeed and sustain the gains we have made, much would depend on the depth of our cricketers and our cricket.”