St John’s, Antigua – West Indies A Team Manager, Colin Borde, is looking forward to the upcoming visit by India A. The Trinidadian said the Digicel Series will show the progress the regional development team has been making.
"We want to win every game in every format of the game that we play. We also want to see growth in all aspects of the game, on and off the field from the future players. This opportunity is one that both the players and the technical staff can benefit and grow from. Winning is a habit," said Borde, who will be in his second series as Windies A Team Manager.
He has been impressed with the work ethic, determination and attitude of the young Windies players, and believes they are all committed to what he describes as the "rise of West Indies cricket."
However, the former Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Team Manager cautioned against the public expecting miracles from the players as they make the step up to international cricket.
"Not every player will excel at international level but with the current pathway to success being improved, we [West Indies A technical staff] certainly are of the view that we can produce quality, intelligent, committed players to fly the West Indies flag," Borde outlined.
On a personal note Borde said he has been enjoying the job since joining the management team. He spoke of the experience as being "very enjoyable and personally and professionally rewarding."
He said he did not find the need to make any changes to the set-up of the team but has contributed his skills towards the progress of the development side.
"My first thoughts were that the technical staff was a dynamic mix of individuals. I bring my own set of skills to the table. I stress accountability and ownership from each member of the team, pride in one’s approach to the task at hand, collective responsibility, hard work and introspection," Borde explained.
But being the position of Team Manager can be as challenging as it is enjoyable.
Borde is enamoured with the rewards of watching the West Indies A team win and young players graduating to the West Indies senior team. He also disclosed that there are numerous challenges of working in a team environment.
He identified team ethos, logistics, general preparation and ensuring there is synchronization of effort on the part of everyone as some of the areas which require detailed attention.
While the challenges of the job may outweigh the kudos it is accorded, Borde has found the ingredients that drive him and his colleagues to do what they do on a daily basis.
"I am still learning as we all are and the value of continued growth is encouraged to all in this team. My passion for West Indian cricket is boundless. The members of the coaching staff share the same passion. The players come with it and we harness it. We love what we do," Borde said.
The West Indies A Team will face India A Team in three Digicel ‘Tests’, two Twenty20s and three One Day Internationals.