It is one of several changes to personnel as part of a major shake-up by Cricket West Indies ahead of the men’s World Cup Qualifiers and the Women’s World T20 later this year.

Rawl Lewis, the former Windies leggie, who previously worked with the side as team operations manager during their successful World T20 campaign in 2016, was named team manager.

[caption id=”attachment_61518″ align=”alignnone” width=”800″] Alfonso Thomas leads Somerset out during his final match after spending eight years with the county (2015)[/caption]

Thomas, a former Somerset captain in limited overs cricket, is ninth on the list of most successful T20 bowlers. He enjoyed successful stints in the IPL, BBL and the BPL, claiming 263 T20 career wickets. His trickery with the ball earned him a solo T20I cap with South Africa in 2007.

“We are focused on improving team performance, as well as broadening and deepening the coaching expertise in the region,” CWI director Jimmy Adams said. “We know we’ve got vital games and tournaments this year and we’re confident that these appointments will strengthen the Windies squads for this year and our future plans.”

Also supporting head coach Stuart Law are team physio David Kershaw and strength and conditioning coach Corey Bocking, while former West Indies quick Joel Garner has agreed to become an Ambassador.