BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC:
DAYS AFTER Guyanese batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan was replaced by fellow countryman Shivnarine Chanderpaul as West Indies vice-captain, West Indies cricket officials have remained mum on the issue.
Speaking to media before the team's Wednesday evening departure for Australia, via London, head coach Bennett King said he preferred to keep the details of the change in vice-captaincy under wraps.
"The normal process in selecting captains and vice-captains is one that's controlled by the Board and we do follow a recommendation," King said.
He added, "But I believe there are some things that need to be kept within the confines of the Board and myself and I would like to stay down that path personally."
It came as a major surprise to many when it was announced that Chanderpaul, the 30-year old reliable, left-handed middle-order batsman, would replace Sarwan who had assumed the post in March last year.
Sarwan, the exciting 24-year-old strokemaker, has been widely viewed as Brian Lara's successor and the fact he was named as Lara's deputy last year ahead of the more experienced Chanderpaul, was seen as an endorsement by the Board.
King, who lead the West Indies in his first series as coach, said however he did not foresee a problem being created within the team with the change in vice-captaincy, ahead of the VB triangular limited overs series.
"It's hard for me to judge at this stage because I'm still young with the side," King said.
"But I wouldn't expect there to be any problems and I have spoken to Ramnaresh and I have spoken to Shiv and Brian about it all, and to be honest they are really looking forward to playing cricket."
