'Witchdoctor' to launch West Indies academy

A new cricket academy for young players, directed by former West Indies manager Dr Rudi Webster, will open in Grenada in May with the aim of reviving Caribbean cricket.

"There is no real difference in the quality of players in Australia and West Indies up to the age of 16," said Webster, known affectionately as the "Witchdoctor', at the launch of the Cricket Academy of St George's University on Monday.

"But after that the Australians forge ahead because their cricket is stronger and better organised at the grassroots level and their development programmes are superior," he added.

Webster hopes to close the gap on the Australians, who beat the West Indies 5-0 in the recent test series, using his philosophy entitled "The Four Cornerstones of Winning Cricket".

"Good fitness, sound technique, sensible tactics and strategy, and good mental skills. Those four factors are all very important and are interconnected and interdependent," he said.

Webster, who managed the West Indies in the late 1970s and was associated with top level cricket in the region throughout its heyday, said the success of the past was based on his four principles.

"Its success was not due to talent alone or good luck, as so many people believe," he said.

"The team was very talented but it was also mentally tough, extremely disciplined, and highly motivated. It was fanatical about its fitness and aggressive tactics and handled pressure particularly well."

"Once leaders in those four areas, we are now lagging far behind the pack. The rest of the world has not just caught up with us, they have charged ahead," he added.

Webster will personally supervise the 12-week programme for the region's best young players.

"(Our) primary aim is to develop their cricket and further their education," he said.

"One of our most important priorities will be to teach them the value of self-discipline, self acceptance, and a good work ethic."

Webster will also seek help from the Caribbean's sporting superpower, Cuba.

"One of its baseball coaches will teach some of the fielding techniques and fitness methods used in Cuban baseball. A second Cuban, a doctor in sports medicine will help our players to sharpen their eyesight and concentration," he said.

Mail Cricket Editor