Clive Lloyd is the new West Indies team manager, but he’s one with a difference.
The former captain told reporters here, he was integrally involved in making strategy, selection and technique refining.
It means Lloyd is making as important a contribution as the coaching team comprising head coach Bennett King and assistant David Moore.
Prior to his involvement, managers were vested with administrative duties and were hardly ever involved in technical duties.
Lloyd said he had already agreed to be with the team on this year’s summer tour of England.
“They’ve asked me to go to England. I don’t know how much longer I will be involved. Then again, it’s entirely up to the Board (West Indies Cricket Board),” he explained.
Lloyd said since his involvement he was satisfied with the team’s progress and felt they were capable of winning the World Cup.
“We have the capacity to do so, the players are playing extremely well. We win the next three (two) games we’re in the Super Eight and then take it from there,” he said. “If I think they did not have a chance I would not say so, I think they have a very good chance.”
And the former captain is impressed with the players’ attitude.
“They’re very professional in what they do, everything is set for them, they have inculcated most of the things we have said to them.”
West Indies teams have often been criticized for being immune to advice from ex-players. Lloyd has a different view of the present team.
“I haven’t seen that, they might have their opinions on certain things, I think it is just a matter of getting the right people there around them,” the manager explained.
Lloyd also said that all-rounder Dwayne Smith seemed to be benefiting from some personal individual attention.
“We worked with Dwayne in India, it will take some time. I thought it was a tremendous game he played the other day,’ he said referring to the players’ fine all-round display against Pakistan last Tuesday.
