Adams targets development of Jamaican players

Jimmy Adams, the former West Indies captain, has outlined his task in his role as technical director of Jamaica's cricket development programme. Adams' first goal will be to feed West Indies cricket with players prepared to meet international standards.

Adams felt the regional scene was suffering because players were thrust onto the international platform at a young age, and expected to hone their skills after reaching the highest level.

"The bottom line is basically to get a player to international cricket in his early 20s and not just to international cricket, but to international standards. I think that's something that we've not been able to do for quite a few years now," Adams, 41, told the Jamaica Observer. "We are asking young players on getting to international level to learn the game there and I think that we need a system and a process that will get them there more prepared for international competition."

Adams, who played 54 Tests for West Indies between 1992 to 2001, hoped Jamaica would turn out international-quality players. "It's very challenging because I think one of the issues that we're faced with is trying to get a more professional mindset throughout the organisation and that's something I'm sure we'll get to eventually, but they're going to be a few challenges along the way," he said.

"But I don't think anything worthwhile comes without a fair bit of effort … but I'm confident we'll get to the point where we have systems and processes in our cricket programmes here in Jamaica that will produce truly world-class players at a fairly young age and give us the sort of cricketer that we can be proud of."

Adams led West Indies in 15 games.