NEWLY appointed West Indies Chairman of Selectors, Courtney Browne, wants consistent performance to be central to the selection process, with the aim of ensuring that players understand that outstanding performance in first-class cricket will be rewarded.His comments were made in the wake of scathing comments directed at him by wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, who said Browne told him he was dropped from the West Indies squad for the upcoming Test against India because his 25.87 Test average was simply not good enough.
Ramdin’s comments were subsequently deemed to be in breach of the WICB policy and the terms of his retainer contract. As a consequence, Ramdin has since been sanctioned.
Ramdin was a member of the one-day-international squad which placed second in the recently concluded Ballr Tri-Nation series with Australia, South Africa and the West Indies. Australia were the eventual winners.
Browne, however, has not wavered from his initial position which he thinks will serve West Indies well in the future.
“The selection panel is looking to create a competitive environment where players are fully accountable for their performances, while meeting the standards consistently in each of the three formats of the game,” he said.
The subjective matter of selection is not new to cricket, Browne emphasised.
He, however, noted that “the methodology of selection will be further enhanced by the increased use of statistical analysis along with fitness standards. The players will be monitored closely for all regional and international competitions”.
Browne wants not just to carry on the procedures former chairman Clive Lloyd used, but to build on the methodologies used to get the best performing team on the pitch at all times. Browne thanked Lloyd for his service and acknowledges the advice he continues to receive.