Former West Indies skipper, Jason Holder is of the opinion that Andre Coley is an adequate substitute in the absence of batting coach, Monty Desai, during the ongoing South Africa series in the Caribbean.
Holder made this disclosure during a recent press conference and while his team is yet to bat in the ongoing second Test, he reckons they are doing what could be done in the circumstances.
West Indies suffered a batting collapse during the first Test where they were bowled out for 97 and 162 which resulted in an innings and 63-run defeat.
According to Holder, the highest ranked West Indies batsman, Desai has established a relationship with the players and has been working with them despite not being physically present.
“Obviously Monty has built a relationship with the players over the time he has been here. He is obviously not here in spirit but he has been in contact with each and every player and I know he has been formulating plans even behind the scenes, trying to get them to get the best out of themselves when they cross the line. The relationship as I said is quite strong and the guys really bought into what he’s brought so far as the batting coach,” Holder explained.
Holder admitted that it is tough with Desai absent but reasoned, “I think he has contributed a lot so far being away from the team under the circumstances,” he stated.
The number one ranked all-rounder pointed out that Coley, who is substituting for Desai physically, also has a relationship with the players.
“Coley has been around the team for a little while as well, he has been around this cohort of players for quite some time as well too, he knows the guys in and out obviously he would not come and impede on what Monty has brought in but he has been able to work with the guys, help facilitate what they need to get going into a Test match and into a game to be match ready and I think he has done an excellent job so far and I think he is definitely able and willing to assist and is an adequate replacement for Monty if Monty is not here,” he said.
