TORONTO, Sept 22: Courtney Walsh, West Indian fast-bowling legend, has finally been approached by West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to help reverse continuing decline in fortunes of the team. Speaking to Toronto Star, Walsh said: “I have been asked to be on a committee to be headed by Sir Garry Sobers which will also include among others Desmond Haynes for an input on what should be done before next year’s World Cup so we can get back to the golden days.”

Walsh, the first man to break 500-wicket barrier in Test cricket, laid the blame for decline of West Indies cricket on poor planning and management.

“There was definitely a lack of foresight and planning. There was also a lack of professionalism and desire to win by the team,” said Walsh, who is being honoured in Toronto by Jamaican community for his contributions to West Indian cricket.

“As you know, when cricket suffers entire West Indies suffers. We have the talent and there is no reason for how poorly the team has performed in recent years.”

While West Indies cricket fell rapidly from heights of glory days, Walsh didn’t see Australia’s loss in the Ashes as a beginning of a similar decline.—Agencies