Dyson takes up WIndies helm

West Indies cricket has once again appealed for the mentorship of Australia, as John Dyson has been instated by the WICB as the new coach of the regional side. The former international batsman and coach of Sri Lanka arrives in the Caribbean to take over from his countryman, David Moore. Initially appointed as assistant coach to Bennett King, Moore served as head coach in the interim, following King’s departure after the World Cup this year.

Dyson played 30 Tests and 29 one-day internationals for Australia with limited success, scoring at averages of 26.64 and 32.82 in the respective formats. In 2003 he succeeded fellow Australian Dav Whatmore as coach of Sri Lanka, and continued in the role for two years. Somewhat ironically, Dyson beat out Whatmore for the West Indies post. In his time with Sri Lanka, the team played 16 Tests, drawing six and winning five. In 29 ODIs, Sri Lanka was 21 times victorious.

West Indies has won just two of its last 39 Test matches, posing a huge challenge for Dyson to reverse the regional side’s fortunes. The team is next in action when it tours South Africa in December. However, it has not be revealed how soon Dyson would take up his duties with the team.