Augustine Logie confirmed as WI coach

FORMER Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies batsman Augustine Logie is elated over his appointment as coach of the West Indies team for a two year period. Logie speaking after the news broke yesterday  that he was confirmed as coach said: ”I am excited about being appointed coach of the senior West Indies cricket team. It’s another opportunity to serve West Indies cricket at another level.” The affable pint-sized ex-cricketer acted as assistant coach for the twin series against Australia and Sri Lanka in the Caribbean recently, after the man the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) wanted for the position, Australian Ben-net King turned them down. When King refused the coaching job, the WICB turned to Logie, who was left in charge of the team for both series. After a poor start, Logie finished strongly with the West Indies team gaining a record-breaking three-wicket win in the final Test against Australia after losing the first three Tests. They also won three consecutive one day international matches against the world champions in a 4-3 series defeat.

Against Sri Lanka  they lost the one-day series 2-1 but rebounded well to clinch the two-Test rubber 1-0. Under the guidance of Logie the West Indies team moved from  number seven in the International Cricket Council (ICC) to fourth. Logie continued: ”We started something with this team in Guyana against the Australians which has worked for us, and we will be looking to continue in this vein. “We want to show the players that commitment and personal responsibility, along with the right attitude, discipline and hard work are the only ways that they can improve as individuals, as a team and in world cricket.” Logie who is currently assisting the West Indies women team who are leaving for Holland tomorrow played for the West Indies between 1983 and 1991, scoring 2,470 runs at an average of  35.79. He played 158 limited overs internationals gathering 2,809 runs at 28.95. The La Brea resident was a popular choice among local cricketing officials, with former Test spinner Rangy Nanan calling the appointment a great move. “This is really a great move by the West Indies Cricket Board, and they must be commended.” Skipper Brian Lara endorsed Logie publicly after the Test series against Sri Lanka and this must have worked in his favour. “Gus is a very special person and I must say that he deserves the post after all the hard work he has put in during the past few months.”

Bryan Davis, another former Test player said: “It’s a good move.  Logie has proven to be successful and credible and will do well. He is at the right age and has the right energy level and will definitely get on well with the players.” National team manager Omar Khan said: “Taking everything into consideration it’s an excellent choice. “Gus has proven that he is capable of coaching the team to success. He has taught the players to believe in themselves and his appointment is a major step in the team’s march towards the top.” President of the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) Dinanath Ramnarine wished the new coach well and said: “Logie is the man who can take West Indies cricket forward once he gets the right support. “All the players feel comfortable with  him and this will work to the advantage of the team. On behalf of WIPA, I would like to wish Gus all the best on this journey and may he get all the right results.”