'Field' day for West Indies coach Stuart Williams

Stuart Williams

West Indies found themselves in an awkward position during yesterday's second and final warm-up match when their coach Stuart Williams was forced to take the field against India 'A' at the Wankhede Stadium. With Darren Bravo and Lendl Simmons not fit to play the game, West Indies were short of players.


Stuart Williams

The visitors found one replacement in Jermaine Blackwood, but the other replacement was none other than their coach Williams. The former West Indies opener manned the slip cordon in the initial part of the innings before rushing back to the dressing room to analyse his team's performance. West Indies included three local players as substitutes.

According to an MCA official, as per rules, the playing XI should consist of players from the same country. So, to make it an all West Indies XI, coach Williams had to step onto the field.

West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell and Dwayne Smith missed both warm-up matches due to their participation in the just-concluded Champions League T20. Williams also came out to bat as the last man with two balls remaining in the final over. He remained unbeaten on zero. This is Williams' first list 'A' match after 10 years.

Fan breaches security
An unruly spectator, who was allegedly drunk, grabbed unnecessary attention at the Wankhede yesterday when he tried coming close to West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy.


Police officials nab a spectator at the Wankhede yesterday. Pic/Atul Kamble

In what could be perceived as a major security breach, the spectator, seated in the MCA Pavilion, jumped the iron railing to shake hands with Sammy, who was fielding at long on.

Officials near the dressing room swung into action. An MCA official, who was present during the incident, said: "He was fully drunk. He manhandled a few policemen and was taken out of the stadium premises."