Roger Harper Unplugged

As a player Roger Harper was known more for being an outstanding fielder in any position. After retiring from international cricket in 1995-96, the Guyanese felt the same passion for the game. So, Harper needed to contribute something to the senior West Indies team.

And that opportunity came in the year 2000 when the 39-year-old off-break bowler was named coach ahead of a number of distinguished candidates among them included Vivian Richards, the present WICB chairman of selectors. Harper's efforts received a big boost with first a draw in the final Test in Kolkata and then the unlikely 4-3 ODI series victory against India. In this Q&A with Bangladesh's Daily Sports Star, Harper discusses a wide range of subjects...

I took up the assignment as coach of the West Indies in March, 2000. Prior to that I had coached the West Indies A team for over a period of three years. My first stint as coach of the A team was in 1997 when we toured South Africa.

Q: How would you rate coach-player relationship?

I think since taking up the post my relationship with players was gotten better and better. I think they now understand a lot more about me and me about them and where exactly I'm coming from and what exactly I require of them. So, I think quite a healthy relationship has developed over the years.

Q: Could you explain how your coaching methods differ from other international coaches?

Well, I haven't really examined the methods of the other coaches. But, I think, West Indian personalities and culture is a little different as you can well imagine. In Bangladesh you have a similar situation where the culture is unique.

It is not just about focusing on the technical aspects of things. I think it's trying to get the players to manage what I have concentrated on more by trying to improve their skills and abilities as best they can. That has been my focus.

Q: Did you always want to be become a coach after retiring? Do you enjoy the work?

Having spent a long time in the game as a professional and because of my love for it and desire off the field...and as that game progressed and West Indies cricket returned to heights of yore, I wanted to be able to make a contribution in that sphere. So, coaching was a natural progression for me.

Q: Being the coach of one of the cricket's most colourful teams must be difficult job. How successful do you think West Indies have been under your stint?

Any international coach is under a tremendous amount of pressure because the weight of expectation is often so great. Looking at the West Indies team today and looking where we came from in the year 2000, I think we have made a bit of progress.

We just came from a tour of India where we lost the Test series 2-0 but we drew one as well and then we won the one-day series which many teams have not been able to do in Asia. And certainly in the recent times West Indies teams have not done abroad. So, I think the young fellows, most of the players are in their early to mid-20s, are really coming of age and beginning to understand what is required of them at the international level. Also they have to understand what to do to be consistent if they are to be successful in the international scene.

Q:What areas do you feel the team still needs improving?

I think we just have to be able to adapt quicker. We have to understand and assess conditions earlier and be able to make the transition.

Q: The last time the West Indies toured South Africa it was not a pleasant experience both on and off the pitch. How well do you think you've prepared the team for the World Cup?

The number of one-day games we have played were all part of the preparations and build-up for the World Cup. However, when we leave Bangladesh we will have a camp prior to going off to South Africa for the World Cup where we will only be focusing on that competition and fine tuning everything. That's our final preparation.

Q: Name three young West Indian players who will perform during the tournament?

I don't think it would be fair of me to name three players because I really expect all the players selected for the competition will make huge contributions to the team's success. And, I think they are all capable of making contributions. As a team we expect everyone to be capable, able and willing to contribute to the team's success.

Q: Most countries are adopting the Australian approach to develop their cricket. Explain whether the West Indies is following same model.

We are trying to implement a cricket development plan as we have on paper but it's not been a smooth implementation as we would have liked it to be. But I think we are working towards it.

Q: The game has changed a lot since your days. What qualities are you trying to place in the present squad?

I don't know how the game has changed a lot since my days. I think players are still trying bowl fast, take wickets and try to big scores. I don't think the game has changed much at all except that from a fielding perspective you see a lot more sliding and diving which has been added to the game due to the amount of one-day cricket being played and so they need to save as many runs as possible. That's the main difference.

However, I still think of the qualities of patience, persistence, determination and if you are going to apply those qualities you have to be dedicated. Those are the same qualities which the great players and teams exhibited in the past and players today must have.

Q: How has captain Carl Hooper helped to mould the players?

I think Carl by his manner, by his style of leadership is a very calm, cool customer. And that I think to an extent has rubbed off on the players. He has been able to share his tremendous experience with the players.

Q: You were regarded as a brilliant fieldsman but what do you regret not achieving as a player?

(Pondering). I would have certainly liked to have played more Test cricket for West Indies. At that time they had a great team so it was difficult to break into such tremendous eleven as well as maintain my place on a Test-playing basis. When you do get the chance you must be able to perform consistently but I couldn't do that.

Q: There seems to be a new purpose within the team as the recent tour of India proved. Explain the change in attitude?

Well it is a simple case of the players growing in every sense. Growing in maturity, growing in experience, growing in understan-ding and just the total part of their development.

Q: Can the West Indies ever become a dominant force again?

Of course that is the ultimate objective. That is something the staff and the players are working towards. I don't think it will happen overnight. You have to understand all the teams are working to become the top side in the world. I think if we can sustain the effort with a true sense of purpose and dedication we are going to get back there.

Q: How do you wish to be remembered once you leave?

I think as a true professional in every sense of the word.

* SOURCE: The Daily Star (Bangladesh).