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More cricket should help players improve their craft – Coach Jacobs
He has scored three centuries and has had 229 dismissals behind the stumps in his 65 Test matches for the West Indies
Ridley Jacobs
and now the left-handed Antiguan is saddled with the responsibility of trying to move Leewards cricket forward in his role as Head Coach.
His mission begins today at Providence when his charges battle hosts Guyana Jaguars and the 46-year-old former West Indies wicket keeper/ feels this season is a good opportunity for most of his players to be in the first-class set-up and make a name for themselves.
“I think that leadership was the reason for our poor performances in times past. I have seen these players and I don’t think they lack ability and talent. I think that the people who were working with these guys were not honest with them, teaching them the simple and basic things they need to achieve and that is why I am here to make things happen for them and their cricket. If I cannot make things happen like the days of yore when we were winning tournaments and having players go onto represent the West Indies team then I should not be here,” Jacobs said.
“I think the bond I build with these players has to be good. You have to have a good relationship with these players who will basically be away from their homes for a long time, so you have to live as a family and enjoy the moments. There will be good times and bad times, but is how we deal with these times is what matters most to make sure they are enjoying what they are doing,” said Jacobs who played 157 First-Class matches between 1991 and 2005.
Jacobs thinks the longer format for the Regional four-day Day tournament is a good thing. “Over the years a lot of the players and even administrators spoke about the tournaments being too short, so it is good from the West Indies administration thinking about the initiative of having the players playing more cricket which is important and help them learn their craft.
On how does Kieran Powell’s absence affect the strength of the team: Jacobs admitted that Powell’s absence will affect the team based on his experience and his capabilities, but added that it creates the opportunity for a young player to take that mantle and step up as there is a vacancy for a young player.
“We have some young players who are eager to fill the gap created by the absence of Powell.
“Think we have a balanced team and I think our bowling can be our strength given the surfaces around the region. In times past, our batting was generally our strength and now that I am in charge I am looking to ensure we can make things happen again with our batting and things will turn out different from what used to happen before. We want to see our batsmen applying themselves and giving the bowlers big totals to defend” Jacobs said.
I think Devon Thomas has been there for a while and he is the captain now, so we will be looking for him to play an important role, along with his deputy Jahmar Hamilton. Austin Richards Jr is making a comeback and Jacques Taylor is another technically sound player and we expect them to go out there and execute properly. We have experienced players like Gavin Tonge and Anthony Martin to add some stability to the line-up” Jacobs concluded.
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