West Indies rope in Monty Desai as batting coach

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Monty Desai, who was UAE’s batting coach at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers 2019, will now join the West Indies team in a similar role on a two-year contract.

Desai has held coaching roles with Afghanistan, Nepal, Canada, Indian regional teams and IPL teams Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Lions in a career of over 12 years. He will now join the Kieron Pollard-led side ahead of the three-match T20I series against India, the first of which will be played at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi Stadium on December 6.

“Let me first thank CWI for this incredible opportunity. I am very excited to join a team with such a rich history in the world cricket arena, one that I myself grew up admiring,” Desai 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.

“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.”

The West Indies coaching staff is currently headed by Phil Simmons, with Roddy Estwick and Rayon Griffith as the bowling and fielding coach respectively. Simmons, who has worked with Desai earlier, during his tenure with Afghanistan, is excited to have him in the set-up.

“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 said.

“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.”