GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Renowned Caribbean cricket commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira has made a passionate plea for Cricket West Indies (CWI) to part ways with current batting coach Floyd Reifer, citing persistent failures with the regional team’s batting performances across formats.
Perreira, one of the most respected voices in Caribbean sport, believes the time has come for the board to “bite the bullet” and bring in legendary opener Desmond Haynes to rejuvenate the struggling batting line-up ahead of the West Indies’ demanding tour of New Zealand next month.
“Reifer has had his run”
Speaking with St Lucia Times, Perreira minced no words about what he sees as the continuation of an unproductive tenure.
“Since the start of the international series against Australia, our batting has struggled,” he said. “Desmond Haynes should be considered by the West Indies to go to New Zealand as batting coach. Reifer has had his run. He has not produced. I’m not being unfair—I think the majority of Caribbean people and commentators would support Haynes’ inclusion.”
The West Indies’ batters have endured a difficult year, showing flashes of brilliance but lacking consistency. In particular, the Test side’s repeated collapses have drawn criticism from pundits and former players alike, sparking renewed debate over the direction of the coaching setup.
Haynes: The proven performer
Perreira argued that Haynes—one half of the iconic opening partnership with Gordon Greenidge—embodies the technical expertise, discipline, and pedigree that the current West Indies line-up desperately needs.
A Barbados native, Haynes amassed 7,487 runs in 116 Tests at an average of 42.29, and also excelled in One-Day Internationals. Since retiring, he has held numerous leadership and coaching positions, including West Indies’ lead selector, head coach of the Barbados Tridents, and member of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee.
“Desmond Haynes has a great track record in New Zealand, and his background says it all when he interacts with players,” Perreira said.
He recalled that legendary captain Clive Lloyd had once publicly remarked that Haynes was “given the wrong job” when appointed chairman of selectors—and that his strengths were always more suited to hands-on player development.
“Let’s see if the West Indies board will think along those lines and make the appropriate adjustments,” Perreira added.
Strengthening the support staff
Perreira also suggested that CWI bolster the technical setup by bringing in former New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin as part of the coaching group. Franklin, he noted, could add vital insight into improving the team’s fielding and catching standards, areas that have repeatedly undermined the West Indies in recent series.
“His knowledge would improve fielding and catching, which has been at a very low level,” Perreira said.
A crucial moment before New Zealand
The West Indies are scheduled to play five T20 Internationals, three One-Day Internationals, and three Tests in New Zealand—a tour that will test both the team’s depth and resilience. With batting collapses becoming all too familiar, Perreira insists that a shake-up is necessary before the team embarks on that challenging assignment.
The veteran broadcaster’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among Caribbean fans: that a return to fundamentals—and to figures with the stature and credibility of Desmond Haynes—may be the only way to restore stability to West Indies batting.aao
