Groom U-13 boys says Desmond Haynes

Desmond Haynes believes he has a remedy to fix the crisis in West Indies cricket.

But the former West Indies opener is not promising a 'quick fix', but rather a long-term programme aimed at developing the overall game.

Haynes, who made over 7 000 runs in 116 Tests, said the emphasis had to be on players under the age of 13 if West Indies cricket was to return to the glory days of the 1970s and '80s.

'The present situation is hurting us and it hurts like hell. What we witnessed in New Zealand was not pleasant and this has been going on for some time now,' he said.

'I don't believe in a short fix. We have to look at a ten-year programme. The future lies with the under-13 players who Groom U-13boys: Des Desmond Haynes believes he has a remedy to fix the crisis in West Indies cricket.

But the former West Indies opener is not promising a 'quick fix', but rather a long-term programme aimed at developing the overall game.

Haynes, who made over 7 000 runs in 116 Tests, said the emphasis had to be on players under the age of 13 if West Indies cricket was to return to the glory days of the 1970s and '80s.

'The present situation is hurting us and it hurts like hell. What we witnessed in New Zealand was not pleasant and this has been going on for some time now,' he said.

'I don't believe in a short fix. We have to look at a ten-year programme. The future lies with the under-13 players who can be moulded and brought on when the time is right.'

Haynes was referring to the Barbados set-up which was started recently. Every Saturday, the island's best under-13 players, most of whom played against Trinidad and Tobago in a One-Day series last year, assemble at Blenheim for specialised coaching. He suggested that the wider region should take a cue and formulate similar programmes.

He added that if the right systems were put in place, the region should again see a resurgence of players with talent and ability to perform on the world stage.

Haynes was referring to the Barbados set-up which was started recently. Every Saturday, the island's best under-13 players, most of whom played against Trinidad and Tobago in a One-Day series last year, assemble at Blenheim for specialised coaching. He suggested that the wider region should take a cue and formulate similar programmes.

He added that if the right systems were put in place, the region should again see a resurgence of players with talent and ability to perform on the world stage.