Cricket West Indies (CWI) has appointed Andre Coley as the interim coach of their men’s team for the upcoming tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa. Coley will replace Phil Simmons, who announced his decision to step down from the head coach job after the Australia tour post West Indies’ shocking exit at this year’s T20 World Cup.
40-year-old Coley was West Indies’ assistant coach, incidentally under Simmons, when the Daren Sammy-led side clinched the T20 World Cup 2016 in India.
“To be asked to oversee the West Indies team on the upcoming tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa is a special honour,” Coley said to CWI.
“West Indies cricket holds a special place in my heart. The upcoming assignment will be challenging as we will come up against two teams in their home conditions. We will need to ensure that our planning and preparation are appropriate and demonstrate consistency in the execution of these plans to give ourselves the best opportunity to achieve positive results.
“The players, I’m sure, are enthusiastic about the opportunities that both series should offer and are eager to contribute to our team’s success. I look forward to the tours ahead and the opportunity to make a tangible and meaningful contribution to the growth of West Indies cricket.”
West Indies are set to play two Tests in their Zimbabwe tour in February. They will then travel to South Africa for two WTC Tests, three ODIs – part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League – and three T20Is.
