West Indies: Lequay laments 'lost era' (21 January 1999)

21 January 1999

West Indies: Lequay laments 'lost era'

By Garth Wattley

Despairing questions are being raised all around the region. But the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board is hoping that its actions will speak louder than mere words.

The TTCB is currently in the process of preparing a development plan, one it hopes will reach well beyond the boundary.

"After the Third Test," TTCB president Alloy Lequay told the Express yesterday, "the officers of the Board took some initiatives and we are preparing a document to be sent to the WICB."

The plan is still to get the approval of the TTCB executive. But according to the TTCB president, it should be ready by the first week in February.

Explaining the reason behind the move, Lequay said, "Outside of the Intikhab Alam, Lance Gibbs coaching efforts, we need a more long-term plan. We've got to write off this era (for winning). When you look in the cupboard, the cupboard is bare. Like Michael Findlay said,"Lequay added, "there are no quick fixes."

However, the president would not be drawn into a comment on the future of Brian Lara's West Indies captaincy.

"I don't blame anybody in particular," Lequay said of the failed tour.

"I thought the problems before the tour would have united the team," he added.

Before they can focus fully on developmental West Indies matters, Lequay and his officers will be turning their attention to the hastily rescheduled Busta Cup fixture against the Windward Islands.

Persistent rain at Mindoo Phillip Park in St Lucia, forced the authorities to seek a change in venue. The T&T board have agreed to take up the challenge. The game is now carded to begin tomorrow at the Queen's Park Oval.

Lequay explained that, in the circumstances, Guaracara Park, the venue of last week's innings and 37-run win for the home team, was not an option.

"Guaracara has to bring in a contractor to prepare the ground," Lequay explained. And it (Tuesday) being a public holiday, we could make no communication. It was easier for us with a holiday and short notice to make arrangements with Queen's Park.

T&T have already named an unchanged squad for tomorrow's encounter.

Source :: The Trinidad Express (https://www.trinidad.net/express/)