KennyD
Well-known member
Coach in CW XI Corner?
by Steve Penz
Too many Coaches spoil the broth. But thats not the case with the famed CW XI side that has been without a coach for its whole existance. And as can be expected, the broth produced has not been terribly good, with the CW XI test match record standing at a dysmal 6 wins, 16 losses and 16 draws. However, this is all about to be rectified, according to an unamed source who informed this journalist of new and exciting revelations within the CWBCC.
Up until now, the CW XI has been exclusively controlled by the CWBCC appointed coach and selectors. However, with the possible addition of a coach, in what ways can CW XI be improved as a team? Certainly technical analysis and tactical advice can be provided by the coach, yet to what end? Will the players perform better under a man who would play a significant role in their cricketing careers, or, there could quite possibly be resentment and disrespect shown by some of the stalwarts of the CW XI. Certainly no one would disagree that the CW XI have some of the the more 'outspoken' international players in the world, including captain Brendon Goff, leading batsmen Marc Robins, and, in every sense of the word, fiery leg-spinner, Neil Pickup. How would these players, who are used to preparing themselves indivudually as players, react in an environment where they are recieving criticism from someone in a position of power.
This jounalist believes that such a decision can only lead to disaster for the CW XI. Surely the clash of personalities within the team heirachy can only lead to poor performances on the field, leading to more controversies of it. If that is the case, what can a Coach do to 'tame' his herd? Would he be a hard diciplinarian, laps for dropped catches, push-ups for outs in the nets, sit ups for wides bowled? Or would he be 'new age', with regular discussions, motivatonal sessons, and tai-chi? Either way is perilous for the reputaion of any man making a career as one the coach of one of the most famed sides in the world.
Which leads to the question, who will that man be? One name that comes to mind is former CW XI player Guy Kerridge. Kerridge had a mildly sucessful Test and One Day career and certainly knows whats its like to be on th efront line for the CW XI. Perhaps Kerridge is the man who can command respect and form a united fron that can begin to lead in world cricket standards. Another name flying around in the exalted circles that yours truly interacts in is leading cricket observer Richard Dickson. However surely if the CWBCC was to consider such a man for an important position, then I'm afraid there cannot be much hope for the CW XI. A man with no experience in FC cricket in such an important role would be unsuitable to say the least. A man that would struggle to command respect from his troops would surely have no chance in improving the quality of the CW XI.
However, time will surely tell if such a relevation will come about.
by Steve Penz
Too many Coaches spoil the broth. But thats not the case with the famed CW XI side that has been without a coach for its whole existance. And as can be expected, the broth produced has not been terribly good, with the CW XI test match record standing at a dysmal 6 wins, 16 losses and 16 draws. However, this is all about to be rectified, according to an unamed source who informed this journalist of new and exciting revelations within the CWBCC.
Up until now, the CW XI has been exclusively controlled by the CWBCC appointed coach and selectors. However, with the possible addition of a coach, in what ways can CW XI be improved as a team? Certainly technical analysis and tactical advice can be provided by the coach, yet to what end? Will the players perform better under a man who would play a significant role in their cricketing careers, or, there could quite possibly be resentment and disrespect shown by some of the stalwarts of the CW XI. Certainly no one would disagree that the CW XI have some of the the more 'outspoken' international players in the world, including captain Brendon Goff, leading batsmen Marc Robins, and, in every sense of the word, fiery leg-spinner, Neil Pickup. How would these players, who are used to preparing themselves indivudually as players, react in an environment where they are recieving criticism from someone in a position of power.
This jounalist believes that such a decision can only lead to disaster for the CW XI. Surely the clash of personalities within the team heirachy can only lead to poor performances on the field, leading to more controversies of it. If that is the case, what can a Coach do to 'tame' his herd? Would he be a hard diciplinarian, laps for dropped catches, push-ups for outs in the nets, sit ups for wides bowled? Or would he be 'new age', with regular discussions, motivatonal sessons, and tai-chi? Either way is perilous for the reputaion of any man making a career as one the coach of one of the most famed sides in the world.
Which leads to the question, who will that man be? One name that comes to mind is former CW XI player Guy Kerridge. Kerridge had a mildly sucessful Test and One Day career and certainly knows whats its like to be on th efront line for the CW XI. Perhaps Kerridge is the man who can command respect and form a united fron that can begin to lead in world cricket standards. Another name flying around in the exalted circles that yours truly interacts in is leading cricket observer Richard Dickson. However surely if the CWBCC was to consider such a man for an important position, then I'm afraid there cannot be much hope for the CW XI. A man with no experience in FC cricket in such an important role would be unsuitable to say the least. A man that would struggle to command respect from his troops would surely have no chance in improving the quality of the CW XI.
However, time will surely tell if such a relevation will come about.
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