The West Indies Cricket Board has offered professional support services to West Indies’ young captains Jason Holder and Stafanie Taylor. The board made the offer as Holder, who was the ODI captain already, was also named Test captain and Taylor replaced Merissa Aguilleira as the women’s team captain.
“The directors and the management of the WICB recognised that being captain of a West Indies team is a unique challenge and carries an enormous burden of responsibility,” WICB director of cricket Richard Pybus said. “We have written and offered them access to whatever support systems they believe is necessary for them to handle their responsibilities in a purposeful manner.”
The men’s Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour is fairly inexperienced with only two members having played over 50 Tests and Holder, 23, is West Indies’ second-youngest Test captain. He replaced Denesh Ramdin and has led West Indies in 12 ODIs, including seven World Cup games. In Sri Lanka, the squad will play two Tests followed by three ODIs and two T20Is.
Clive Lloyd, the chief selector who had said it was the “right time for a change” when Holder was named Test captain, has already been mentoring the new captain.
“As a legend of the game, a successful international captain and in the role of Convenor of Selectors, Clive is uniquely placed to give valuable insight and we have encouraged Jason to lean on his wisdom, so he can manage the transition to the leadership position,” Pybus said.
Earlier, Holder’s promotion to captaincy was also welcomed by former West Indies captains in Brian Lara and Viv Richards.
Taylor, on the other hand, is only 24 but has played 84 ODIs and 62 T20Is since her international debut in 2008. Her first assignment as captain of the women’s team will be a home series against Pakistan Women, comprising four ODIs and three T20 internationals in October.
“Clive is also available to Stafanie, but we will also work with her to identify a suitable mentor going forward,” Pybus said.
The WICB has also offered both captains an option of employing an “executive coach” to help them with their personal development.
“The WICB is committed to their long-term development and success in their new roles, and we believe this will help Jason and Stafanie to focus while they settle in,” Pybus said. “We have full confidence that Jason and Stafanie will lead with courage and conviction, and do a wonderful job of moving their respective teams forward, so we have taken steps to help them to plan and manage their time effectively.”
