New Windies manager concentrates on mental aspect of game

Omar Khan, West Indies' new team manager, has said the most important challenge for the home side ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Guyana is their mental approach to the game. "I have no doubt of the quality and potential of these players and now it's about instilling that competitive edge, that fighting spirit that is so essential for success," Khan told the Trinidad Guardian.

Khan replaced Clive Lloyd as the team manager and said a new era had emerged with the arrival of the new management. John Dyson replaced Bennett King as the coach after the World Cup and later David Williams, the Trinidad & Tobago coach, was appointed the assistant coach. "This is a new era in West Indies cricket with a new management team and players must see it as a stepping stone to getting their game right and taking West Indies cricket forward.

"We head into Guyana on Tuesday and from Wednesday through to Friday, we will be hosting a number of team building sessions with the hope that it can bring the players closer together and improve team unity." Khan said though there was little time to work with the players on the mental aspect of their game he was certain, being professionals, they would respond well.

Khan also said Pedro Collins' withdrawal from the Test squad to play for Surrey was an unfortunate event. "Myself and the coach looked at Collins during the Barbados-Jamaica game and he took nine wickets. He was bowling very well and it is a pity that he won't be with us. However, having said that, we have a number of good bowlers in our ranks and we will be well served in that department."