Debasis Sen, Antigua – He was a part of the deadly West Indian pace quartet in the late seventies. “Big Bird” Joel Garner was pivotal in taking West Indies cricket to unprecedented heights in test and ODI’s as the Caribbean boasted of not losing a test series in 15 years. The 6’8” tall Garner is now the manager of West Indies team. He replaced another legendary West Indian cricketer Richie Richardson.
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) had appointed the legendary former West Indies pacer for a period of three-year, starting with the series against India.
The 63-year-old, who served as interim West Indies team manager during 2009-10, said he was always ready to fulfill any role in West Indies cricket.
“I always answer the call in West Indies cricket,” Garner said.
“It is always an honour to serve in any capacity in West Indies cricket and I’m pleased to be back with the team as manager to share my knowledge and experience to the team and be an ambassador for West Indies cricket and the region.”
Garner’s first assignment is the ongoing four-Test series against India, which is underway from Thursday at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.
He is regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time and along with the likes of Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding and Colin Croft, helped define the West Indies halcyon era of the late 1970s and 80s.
Garner played 58 Tests between 1977 and 1987, taking 259 wickets at an average of 20.97 each and 146 wickets in ODIs at an average of 18.84.
The post of manager was made vacant after Sir Richie stepped down after five years in charge, following the tour of Australia in January. He has since taken up an appointment as match referee with the International Cricket Council.
Former West Indies and Windward Islands leg-spinner, Rawl Lewis, served as interim manager for the successful Twenty20 World Cup campaign in India earlier this year.