We will surprise them - Williams

Coach David Williams has issued a warning to teams taking part in the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions League in South Africa—don’t write off the West Indies. The region will go into the tournament with an under-strength squad as mediation between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and its Players Association left the team without its senior players.

Despite this, Williams said his team was capable of surprising people and upsetting the big teams. “I don’t think people should write us off. We have a young team and the players are going there to make a name for themselves. “We have a good preparation schedule in place with two camps in Barbados and South Africa and once the players work hard and get something out of them, they would be okay for the series. They may even surprise some people and win some big matches.”

Williams is refusing to describe his side as second string. “At the end of the day, whoever goes out there to play is representing the West Indies and is part of a West Indies team. “The guys may not be the most experienced but they are willing and have plenty of talent. We intend to work with these players so they would be competitive in South Africa. “Recently, they were beaten by Bangladesh but they showed fight and the series was competitive. We are hoping to get the players in the best shape possible before the series and we are looking for a creditable performance.”

Meanwhile, Williams is hoping the WICB will make his position permanent. Head coach, John Dyson, was dismissed two weeks ago by the WICB and Williams, the former T&T and West Indies wicketkeeper, has been appointed interim coach for the Champions League tournament. Williams, understudy to Dyson until his dismissal, said he was interested in taking up the job full time. “Of course I am interested. I am the assistant coach and it is only natural I would want to one day become the head coach of the team.”

Vinode Mamchan
Trinidad Guardian