Haynes named interim head coach of Scorpions

KINGSTON

Robert Haynes will now take up responsibility as interim head coach of the Jamaica Scorpions. Haynes, the former Jamaica leg spinner, signed a four-month contract yesterday which spans the period January 1, 2019 to April 30, 2019.

He will have responsibility for the Jamaica Scorpions' remaining nine games in the CWI Professional Cricket League - Windies Championship (formerly the Regional 4-day Competition). Haynes also replaces outgoing head coach Robert Samuels on the selection panel.

A release from the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) yesterday said, coach Haynes met with the entire Jamaica Scorpions squad along with CEO Courtney Francis, JCA Cricket operations manager O'neil Cruickshank and chairman of selectors Junior Bennett ahead of a brief training session at Sabina Park.

First Order of Business

Haynes noted that his first order of business is to have an impact on the mindset of the team.

"It is not easy but my immediate challenge is to adjust how these Scorpions approach each game and our training sessions. When one looks at how they lost the season opener against the Barbados Pride it is clear that their concentration fell. That's something which must be addressed," he said.

"There is no shortage of competitive talent within the squad. We seem to be able to pick up 20 wickets in a match; we need the batting to stay focused and frustrate our opponents by remaining at the crease for longer. This type of disciplined approach to batting must also be delivered consistently," added Haynes.

The new coach will face a stern test in his first game in charge on January 4 when the Windward Islands Volcanoes visit Jamaica.

"The Volcanoes are strong; this team defeated the Red Force in Trinidad and that is no easy feat. So, we'll be putting in the work and making the necessary adjustments to challenge the visitors. The Scorpions will not make it easy for any opponent on home soil," the interim coach warned.