LONDON, CMC
Cricket icon Sir Gary Sobers has endorsed the elevation of Shivnarine Chanderpaul to captain of the West Indies side but has expressed worry over the current West Indies fast bowling department.
In London to promote the new sports legends website Nobok, Sir Garfield said that the 30-year old left hander was the obvious choice to succeed Brian Lara, especially in the midst of the recent sponsorship row.
"Because there was so much hanging over West Indies cricket, Shivnarine was the obvious person," Sir Gary said.
"It's always good as well to look at younger players and all that but you have to identify who that younger player is who could make captain. You can't just pick by age knowledge and experience count for a lot and that is what Shivnarine has."
Sir Gary, widely considered as the greatest cricketer to have played the game, said the West Indies bowling, however, require much attention.
"If there is one area that requires urgent attention it's the bowling," Sir Gary pointed out.
"Our bowling looks a bit sceptical at the moment that is something that has to be worked on for sure.
"I don't have any doubt that the batting will come together pretty soon. But the bowling is harder to get right. We have to look at lots of bowlers and I haven't seen all of them. Some of them are still injured."
He added: "They all have their ability - it's just a case of trying to get through to them that bowling is not just about bowling fast. It's about finding a rhythm as well."
Sir Garfield, who is a technical advisor to the West Indies team, said that newly appointed coach, Australian Bennett King was fully aware of the improvements that needed to be made in the team.
"Bennett is very keen, he understands the situation and knows what he has to work with," Sir Gary said.
"He is not in the least bit worried about what has happened and he knows it's going to take some time to get us back on track."
