For Viv Richards its within reach

Sir Viv Richards has not been precluded from consideration for the post as full-time coach to the West Indies' team because of the advertised qualifications of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), president Pat Rousseau indicated Wednesday night.

I think it [the ad] was pitched on the basis that if you have these qualifications it would enhance your chances of getting the job, Rousseau said on CANA Radio's Cricket Line programme. I don't think it was an absolute that if you missed one you were out.

The forms which I saw from which the ads were taken were quite clear on that, he added. Rousseau said a four-man committee of the WICB was now reviewing the applications for team manager and team coach and he expected they would determine a short-list by the end of this week.

They will then set up to interview all those on the short list, at the end of which they will make a determination, he explained. They have been authorised by the board to do it and I would imagine that what we would basically do is confirm those appointments.

The ads that have appeared in the Press for team coach list the qualifications and experience as: Advanced coaching certificate and certification or training in sports psychology and evidence of ongoing development in the field or a combination of training and experience as a Test or first-class player; A minimum of three years' practical experience in coaching at Test or first-class level. Revealing that he had applied for the post, Richards said during the New Zealand tour that his six years as West Indies captain should be qualification enough. He does not have an advanced coaching certificate or three years' practical coaching experience at Test or first-class level.