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Windies coach very upbeat
12/12/2007 16:40 - (SA)
East London - Newly appointed West Indies head coach, former New South Wales and Australian batsman John Dyson, is convinced Chris Gayle's team has the ability to once again become a world power at cricket.
Speaking at a press conference at Buffalo Park in East London on Wednesday where the touring side were preparing for the 25-over day-night clash against a Makhaya Ntini Invitation X1 on Friday, Dyson said the current team has a number of players who could develop into world-beaters.
Dyson, 53, a veteran of 30 Tests and a member of both the so-called Australian rebel tours of 1985/86 and 1986/87 captained by Kim Hughes, was upbeat about his recent appointment. He coached Sri Lanka between 2003 and 2005 and was instrumental in helping them become a force at Test level.
He liked what he saw in the nets on Wednesday. "I'm very happy with the practice session," he said. "Both the batters and bowlers were impressive, I thought."
However, Dyson admitted so soon after his appointment he still required to get to know some of the players better.
Back to winning ways
Speaking frankly about the Windies' recent decline in world rankings, he feels deep down this young and vibrant team have some players who could get the Windies back to winning ways.
"I feel the Windies teams have been under-achieving but it's no good looking back at the last 10 years - you can't change what's happened. We have to look to the future now.
"I think this West Indies team is full of raw, natural talent and they will do well on this tour." Dyson said a positive mental attitude for the players was of paramount importance if they were to succeed.
He stated consistency by both batsmen and bowlers was also important.
"More often than not some individuals contribute, but there is a need for more consistency," he stressed.
The coach added the team is out to win all their games on tour but naturally the main focus would be on the Test series which starts in Port Elizabeth on December 26th.
He expects fast bowler Jerome Taylor to play a huge role in the series.
"He did very well in Zimbabwe and he looked pretty sharp in the nets today (Wednesday)," Dyson said.
Meanwhile Windies skipper Gayle is recovering fast from his hamstring injury and is expected to be fit for the opening Test match on December 26th.
"He's pain-free at the moment, but we obviously don't want Chris to tear his hamstring again, so we are working along with the physio and taking it carefully," Dyson said.
West Indies squad: Chris Gayle (capt), Dwayne Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Pedro Collins, Fidel Edwards, Daren Ganga, Rawl Lewis, Runako Morton, Brenton Parchment, Daren Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Devon Smith, Jerome Taylor.
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