Bennett, Bernard Sr victims of restructuring

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

President of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), Paul Campbell, says the hiring of former West Indies coach, Gus Logie, as interim head coach of the national senior team is a part of the association's thrust to restructure the game locally.

Logie, who guided the West Indies to International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy glory in 2004, and Bermuda to the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007, is to replace former head coach, Junior Bennett, who, despite recent successes, is said to lack the requisite expertise needed to take Jamaica's cricket to another level.

Logie, who will operate on a four-month contract, is slated to begin his stint on December 1.

"The appointment of Logie is all part of a restructuring of our cricket, and the need to improve the level and standards of our coaching staff," Campbell told The Sunday Gleaner.

"The technical department, headed by Jimmy Adams, recommended a number of changes and improvements to the structure of the coaching staff so as to make the country more competitive, especially among the shorter versions of the game.

"These were then submitted to the board of directors, who determined that they were fair requests, and gave the go-ahead to secure Logie's services and corporate support for the initiative.

A solid choice

Added Campbell: "We have had success under Junior Bennett, especially in four-day tournaments, and there is no doubt about his contribution. But it was felt that more needed to be done to strengthen the coaching framework of the national team, and at this point in time we believe Logie represents a solid choice."

Campbell also explained that Bennett was being considered for other coaching positions with the team, however, that is to be determined.

Logie, who represented the West Indies as a batsman in 52 Tests and 158 one-day international, was, according to The Sunday Gleaner sources, chosen ahead of another former West Indies representative, off-spinner Roger Harper, who was also shortlisted for the position.

Bennett, since taking over the reins of the senior team in 2006 after years of success with the national Under-19 teams, led Jamaica to regional four-day success in 2008, 2009, and 2010. He also guided the team to regional one-day glory in 2007.

Efforts to contact Bennett for a comment yesterday proved futile.

Meanwhile, another casualty of the restructuring, long-serving physical trainer David Bernard Sr, has been replaced with The GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport lecturer, Gibbs Williams.

"As for the position of trainer, David Bernard Sr is currently off the island on leave, and Gibbs Williams has taken charge of that area, which is also a part of the restructuring," explained Campbell.