ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – One of the greatest fast bowlers who have played for West Indies has been given the task to identify the next generation of speed merchants.

Andy Roberts, one of the finest fast bowlers to have played Tests and One-day International cricket, has been appointed by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to discover and develop fast bowlers in the region.

“This initiative is in keeping with our Strategic Plan, where we shall be focusing some of our resources and attention on those areas in which there is a developmental need,” said WICB chief executive officer Donald Peters in a news release yesterday.

“At the moment, the critical need of our team is in the area of fast bowling. Consequently, this becomes a major priority and naturally we are pleased to be working with the territories to discover and develop the region’s fast bowlers.”

Roberts has been directed to plan a fast bowling workshop following the end of the current England tour of the Caribbean and the regional first-class championship.

The plan is to begin a series of fast bowling clinics in Jamaica in conjunction with the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA).

“It is envisaged that similar workshops will be held in other territories, involving more of the former fast bowlers of the West Indies who will be contracted to work with the programme,” Peters said.

Other specialty clinics are being planned by the WICB in the areas of batting and spin bowling.