ICC opens applications for USA coach

The ICC has formally opened an application process on Wednesday for a new USA coach, who will officially start duty at WCL Division Four in Los Angeles later this year.

A minimum level 2 coaching accreditation is among the qualifications listed for the role. The role came under scrutiny following USA's performance at the World T20 Qualifier last year when opener Akeem Dodson criticised coach Charlie Javed for lacking a Level 1 certificate and the team's inability to qualify for the World T20 in India.

Prior to Javed, USA had been coached on a contract basis by Robin Singh although his tenure produced fractious moments with players. Most notable was the dispute between Singh and players Orlando Baker and Timroy Allen, who vowed never to play for USA again. Allen has not played for USA since he was vice-captain at the 2013 World T20 Qualifier, but has since participated in ICC-conducted trials in USA. He went on to play for a combined ICC Americas squad in January and performed well enough to earn a Caribbean Premier League contract with Jamaica Tallawahs.

Among those believed to have expressed interest in the role are Mike Young and Doug Watson. Young has built his reputation as one of the world's premier fielding coaches, having been part of the coaching staff of three World Cup winning squads with Australia, and was also on the coaching staff of IPL champions Deccan Chargers in 2009. Young was part of the coaching team for the ICC Americas squad in January and has been heavily involved in the talent evaluation process at ICC Combines conducted around USA in 2015 and 2016.

Watson is a former South African first-class player who served as assistant coach for Mumbai Indians in 2009. He most recently served as head coach of Namibia from 2012 to 2015.

The ICC stated in a press release that applications will be accepted till July 20. A 30-man shortlist of players chosen from the recent ICC Combines is due to arrive in Florida on July 27 for a week-long USA national team camp, of which a 14-man squad is expected to be chosen for WCL Division Four.