Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Wednesday, December 4, announced the appointment of Monty Desai as their new batting coach of the men's team on a two-year contract ahead of crucial limited-overs tour of India, starting on Friday, December 6, in Hyderabad.
Desai has joined the West Indies team at nets on Wednesday in Hyderabad before the first T20 International of the three-match series on Friday at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
He has ample coaching experience having served as Canada’s head coach at the ICC World Cricket League Division 2, Afghanistan as their batting coach at the ICC Cricket World Cup qualification event in 2018 and more recently as UAE’s batting coach at the 2019 ICC T20 World Cup qualification event.
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Desai also held coaching roles with Nepal, IPL sides Rajasthan Royals and former team Gujarat Lions in a coaching career of over 12 years.
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) confirmed the latest signing in a statement: “Desai joined the West Indies ahead of the start of the T20 International Series against India, which bowls off on Friday, December 6 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad.”
Meanwhile, West Indies head coach Phil Simmons welcomed Desai to the coaching set-up, saying: “I have worked with Monty before and he is an excellent coach. He has proven he has the ability to get players to improve on their talent and also to perform better in matches.”
Simmons further added, “He has vast knowledge of the game and it is good he is starting here with us in India. I look forward to seeing him work with our batsmen in all formats as we look to get better in all areas.”
On the other hand, Desai said in a official statement that he is looking forward to contribute in the team's success. He said, “I am very much looking forward to being part of a journey where I can help to create a winning work environment, learn and embrace a new culture, and build a 'happy dressing room' tradition alongside other excellent leaders.”
Desai signed off by saying, “I am eager to join forces with Head Coach, Phil Simmons and Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, and our Captains, such that I may contribute in every possible way to the success of our team.”
Noteworthy, the CWI has recently appointed Roddy Estwick and Rayon Griffith as team’s bowling and fielding coach respectively.
(With PTI Inputs)
