Stuart Law appointed West Indies coach
Former Australia cricketer Stuart Law has been appointed West Indies' head coach. The 48-year-old takes over after finalising a two-year contract with the West Indies Cricket Board.
The West Indies team, has been without a coach for nearly four months following Phil Simmons's sacking in September last year. Law now joins a new-look West Indies team, headed by director of cricket Jimmy Adams and chairman of selectors Courtney Browne.
Law, who will be the third Australian to coach West Indies, will start working with the team, hoping to help it ride over turbulent times, from February 15. Surprisingly, Law's contract comes to an end on February 2019, a few months before the world cup. But more importantly, in the immediate future, he has the task of helping West Indies finish the September 2017 deadline as the top eight ranked team in order to help the side secure a direct qualification for the 2019 world cup. West Indies are currently placed ninth in ODI rankings, two points behind Pakistan and four behind Bangladesh.
"I am excited at the opportunity to contribute to what I think is an interesting time for West Indies," said Law. "I think this assignment has come at an important time of my career."
The departing cricket director Richard Pybus helped appoint Law, and hailed the addition. Jimmy Adams, who will take over from Pybus said Law takes charge at an "exciting and crucial time".
"He comes at an exciting and critical time in the development of the West Indies men's team, with the emergence of some outstanding young talent, as seen in the most recent Test series against Pakistan.
Law has had similar coaching stints with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, while also being part of the coaching team for Australia and Big Bash League team Brisbane Heat. His first stint as West Indies head coach will come during the home One-Day International series against England in March.
"His core functions will include improved team results while providing leadership to players and team management," the release added.
Stuart Law appointed West Indies coach - Cricbuzz