Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
Jamaica skipper Wavell Hinds (left) and coach Robert Haynes. - FILE
THERE ARE indications of a rift between captain Wavell Hinds and some members of Jamaica's senior cricket team due to a lack of commitment and indisciplined behaviour by some players.
Hinds, who took over the captaincy from Tamar Lambert after the first two rounds with Jamaica leading on 12 points, has himself been criticised for being unable to get the best effort out of the players.
But while refusing to comment on the issue wholly, the team's head coach, Robert Haynes, told The Gleaner it's a matter that should be discussed by the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) and the senior team's management.
"Right now I wouldn't comment on that ... I think it's something I have to discuss first with the selectors and the board people," Haynes said in reference to the rift.
The coach and other members of the Jamaica team arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday, following a two-match tour to the Eastern Caribbean.
Commenting further, Haynes said: "I think it would be best for myself, the manager (Maurice Clarke) and captain (Wavell Hinds) to sit with the selectors and discuss these things first."
LACK DISCIPLINE
Haynes, a one-time West Indies player, also said lack of discipline contributed immensely to the Jamaican team's losses.
"....What we lacked most of all is discipline. The discipline on the field is very, very poor.
"The attitude towards the cricket is bad, and this is what we have to work at for the future of Jamaica's cricket.
"There is a major concern about how the players are behaving ... and it's something we have to look at seriously when we meet with the chairman of selectors and probably the president," he added.
Jamaica, the competition's champion team last year, played disastrously and lost both matches against Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados by heavy margins.
Hinds, a West Indies player who has been touted for Test captaincy, openly expressed disappointment with his team in a post-match interview and said some of the batsmen were uncommitted.
"The selectors need to meet and think about the persons who make a good team," he said in Bridgetown after their 10-wicket loss to Barbados on Monday.
Jamaica were bowled out for 129 and 319 in two innings against Barbados. The left-handed opener's individual contribution was 46 out of the first innings 129; and 82, the top score, in the second innings when he was eighth man out.
NO COMMITMENT
"When we batted there was no commitment at all," Hinds declared. "Nobody tried to occupy the crease. Everybody wanted to satisfy their own ego in playing all the extravagant shots. Yes, they got two shots off but at the end of the day the team suffered very badly."
He added: "The technical staff will just have to revisit and see what kind of game-plan we have and the kind of attitude and culture that surrounds the team."
No player was singled out.
Hinds, was unavailable for comments yesterday because he stayed behind in Barbados for a West Indies Board leadership seminar, which involves seven Test players thought capable of leading the regional team.
However, Haynes stood firmly behind his skipper, expressing approval of his leadership.
"I think the captain is doing a good job. He is discussing the cricket, he is leading well."
He added: "If you represent your country it should not matter who is the captain ... it should always be an honour and a privilege to represent Jamaica.
"... There are other players out there who are willing to play for Jamaica. And no one is bigger than cricket, you will come play and you will leave," a seemingly disturbed Haynes said.
