West Indies cricket commentator Dr Joseph Reds Perriera is backing Windies legend Desmond Haynes as a possible batting coach for the Men in Maroon ahead of their tour to New Zealand. These comments come in response to the Caribbean team’s ongoing struggles with batting, particularly in the red-ball format. He believes that Floyd Reifer’s time as batting coach is up.
Desmond Haynes was one of the most consistent and respected opening batsmen in world cricket during the 1980s and early 1990s, finishing with a batting average of 42.29. He previously served as the Lead Selector for the West Indies Men’s teams from January 2022 until June 2024, bringing deep cricketing insight and administrative experience to both roles. As of April 2025, Haynes has been appointed to the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, representing the West Indies at one of the sport’s most influential governance bodies.
While he had limited official coaching experience, Haynes did coach in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). He served as the head coach of the Barbados Tridents, bringing his deep cricketing knowledge and leadership to the franchise setup and led the team to a 2014 CPL title. He has also served as a mentor for several West Indian players and has been involved in the senior setup, engaging in conversations with batsmen on ways to improve.
“I certainly would like to suggest, due to what has happened since the start of the international series against Australia, our batting has struggled since then, that Desmond Haynes be considered by the West Indies to go to New Zealand as the batting coach,” Perriera said. “Desmond Haynes has a great track record in New Zealand. And his background says it all when he interacts with players. But we really must bite the bullet at this time. [Floyd] Reifer has had his run. He has not produced. I’m not being unfair. I think I have a majority of Caribbean people and commentators who will support the inclusion of Haynes to New Zealand.”
“Clive Lloyd is on record as saying when Haynes was made chairman of selectors, he was given the wrong job. He should have been given this appointment as batting coach. Let’s see if the West Indies board will think along these lines and make the appropriate adjustments.”
Perriera also suggested the addition of New Zealander James Franklin to the coaching unit. Franklin had previously worked with the backroom staff for a couple of years under Daren Sammy. Perriera believes the Kiwi should be “re-invited” to join Ravi Rampaul in the backroom staff.
“The New Zealand expert will help the West Indies improve with fielding and catching, which has been at a very low level. These couple of minor changes will probably help the players more than anything else to be able to cope with the New Zealand conditions. Adding on James Franklin and maybe a fielding coach coming from right in New Zealand… It will give them a chance to prepare better and maybe to compete better.”
The West Indies will face New Zealand in an extended tour beginning on November 5, featuring five T20Is, three ODIs, and three Test matches.
