Desmond Haynes outlines the role of a West Indies selector in detail

“When I was approached to do the job, I figured that if there’s any time that I can give back to West Indies cricket, it’s now,” said Desmond Haynes in his interview with Betway when asked about his decision on taking on the role of selector for West Indies. Haynes was appointed the new chief selector of the West Indies Cricket team and will oversee 2 T20 World Cups & a 50-over World Cup until 2024.

Desmond Haynes, the former West Indian cricketer, also worked as the selector for Barbados Cricket Association back in the ’90s, which made him an experienced candidate for this role.

On talking about the selection process, Haynes explained that he had got two other parties (the coach and a co-selector) to listen to before picking up the best players in the team. He also expressed that one cannot look at stats to pick a player but see the player’s game to get an accurate picture of their character.

Once an iconic opening batsman for the country, Haynes picked game knowledge and talent as the critical pointers for any player to be selected to play for the country. Also, he needs to pick players committed to training and cricket in general. 

His words: “You look at the character of the players, you look at the way they’re committed to training and cricket in general.

Knowledge of the game is very important for me as it allows me to make sure that the players understand the game and are students of the game.

Also, talent, at the end of the day. If someone wants to play cricket at the highest level, their talent has got to be able to produce and do well for the West Indies.”

Haynes, though he admitted that statistics play a significant role behind selecting a team, once again stressed the importance of selecting a player based on their character and kept a stance that he will be staying away from the coaching staff as he believes his role is to pick the best players in West Indies cricket. 

When asked about the rotation of players, especially the pace bowlers, the selector felt that it is necessary for this hectic cricketing calendar and admitted that the players’ mental well-being will be essential but was hopeful that stringent bio-bubble rules will slowly relax, giving the player a much-needed breather to move around freely.

Haynes said he wants more players to be vying for a spot and know how to balance between franchise cricket and playing for the country. This includes the leagues worldwide, barring the IPL, which has a specific window. 

While he welcomes the motives behind the cricketers choosing to play more leagues to have financial stability, Haynes believes it is also vital for them to grow as a player, developing themselves and gaining as much knowledge as he can. And that is why he says they need to strike the right balance.