'Iceman' Narine holds key to Windies chances says coach

'Iceman' Narine holds key to Windies chances says coach

Vinode Mamchan
Published: guardian
Wednesday, June 8, 2016

WELL DONE: Windies players congratulate Sunil Narine, third right, after he took a wicket during Match 2 of the Ballr Cup Tri-Nation Series against Australia at Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Sunday. Photo: WICB Media

Sunil Narine has a big role to play in the current Ballr Tri-Series among West Indies, Australia and South Africa and bowling consultant Roddy Estwick is thrilled by the prospects he brings.

Speaking at the Providence Stadium in Guyana yesterday, Estwick who is new to the role said: “I have nicknamed Sunil Narine ‘Iceman’, I cannot understand how this man can be under so much pressure and still be cool. He has come back from real difficulties and is bowling so well. He is key for us and has bowled brilliantly this series and we hope this continues.”

Narine picked up career best figures of 6/27 against South Africa in the opening match which West Indies won by four wickets while he took 2/36, as the home team went under by six wickets to Australia in the second match.

Looking ahead Estwick said: “We did not play well as a team in the last game. We need to get partnerships and somebody in the top four can get a big score, we will turn it around. St Kitts is a different pitch and the guys have to rise to the challenge as a team and collectively as a unit.

“Length has to change at different venues and we have to look at par scores and stuff, at certain venues before setting our targets. Certain things we can work on that will work anywhere and one of that is cutting out the extras and boundary balls. I have stressed big on extras and cutting out boundary balls those are areas where we can improve.”

West Indies have been very good in the extras column, giving away only five against South Africa and one against Australia.

Estwick said: “We are trying to stop the opposition’s momentum, not giving them that first ball four and that last ball four, where they can gain momentum. Looking at the bowling I think we are 75 per cent there, we have to keep working and keeping passing on ideas. Keep learning and I always say if teaching takes place, then learning will take place.”

Estwick replaced the legendary former West Indies fast bowler Curtly Ambrose. He described his short stint as very good.

“The stint has been great so far, having worked at the under-19 level for many years, I have worked with these guys, so it was not difficult making the transition.

“As a matter of fact It goes way back to 2006 with players like (Keiron) Pollard and Narine. I have never found any challenges working with young people. You have to be honest and get their trust.

“So far we have put some systems in place and once they continue to follow it and work hard, things will be fine. It is not going to be easy but the discipline and work ethic is there so the improvement will come.

“When you play at the international level, you have those little technical changes that come into play and of course patience is key. It’s a test of your character and I have already stressed to the players that patience and hard work is so vital.”

Yesterday, the West Indies cancelled their 9.30 am practice session at the National Stadium and moved it to the afternoon period and will leave Guyana today at 12.30 pm for St Kitts. The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has chartered a flight on Caribbean Airlines direct from Guyana to St Kitts to ease the team’s travel woes from Island to Island.

www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2016-06-08/icem...s-chances-says-coach