West Indies Head Coach and Selector Phil Simmons has indicated that the selection panel is aiming to be consistent in its selections. Recent squad announcements have generated much debate and discussion around the region, with the Roger Harper-led panel coming in for severe criticism.
West Indies limited-overs captain Kieron Pollard has stressed the importance of not “chop and changing” players after a few matches if they fail, but give them ample time to assess their readiness for the position.
According to Pollard, such a style in the past has led to inconsistent performances on the field and he wants to create an environment of continuity.
However, Chairman of West Indies Men’s senior selection panel, Roger Harper, had told News Room Sport back in May, the panel is keen on looking at players’ current form when selecting squads.
News Room Sport questioned Simmons on his stance after Pollard’s comments and he stated, “It is just something that has to be discussed every time we sit down to select and we trying to be as consistent as we can be.”
Pollard had stated during the successful T20I series against Sri Lanka that, “We need to get away from the fact if a guy does not perform after one game or two games that he is not just good enough we just discard him because he is not good enough.”
The skipper said persons should see cricket just as life where persons make mistakes and seek to make amends at the next opportunity.
The current approach to selection is somewhat different from the modus operandi of the previous man in charge, Courtney Browne.
In 2018, Browne stated that “a player is required to show consistent performances for at least a two-year period (ideally three) to be placed in the elite squad. And then the player is managed based on the role they play in the team over time.”
Browne felt this approach would help players produce more consistent performances, thereby creating a second tier of well-prepared players to put selection pressure on the incumbents.
