Former greats question Windies preparation methods

At least two former West Indies players have questioned a decision that saw the regional squad prepare in Australia ahead of their current tour in New Zealand.
The Windies lost the opening Test by an innings and 67 runs, falling for just 134 in their first innings. The host then compiled 520 declared before bowling out the visitors for 319 in their second innings.
Former fast bowler, Sir Curtly Ambrose, questioned the move given the different climates between the two countries.
“In my opinion, we made a slight mistake by going to Australia prior to going to New Zealand because I believe that the conditions in Australia are totally different than in New Zealand which can be a little like England where it can get cold one time and then the next day it gets hot. So I believe we should have gone to New Zealand a little earlier to be more acclimatised as opposed to going to Australia,” he said.
Meanwhile, former captain, Sir Vivian Richards, echoed Sir Curtly’s sentiments, adding that the decision to prepare in a climate that differs from the one in New Zealand may have had a negative impact on the players going into the first Test.
“That I think, should have been reversed and especially with a young team, a team that is struggling for confidence, to put them in a hotter climate and knowing that the conditions in New Zealand is going to be similar to what you get in England then maybe there should be some questions asked. There could be some real reasons why but I just think it was a little odd in my opinion and anyone who understands the game would tell you that,” Sir Viv said. 
The Antiguan also predicts that the regional squad will be in for more of an uphill battle without captain Jason Holder who has been suspended for the next Test which starts on Saturday.
“It’s going to be tough and especially since he is the captain and it would have some effect on whether or not the confidence factor is there and especially after losing the very first one you wouldn’t want to lose again. This is the best wish we have at present so he would certainly be missed with that line up,” the former captain said.
Holder has been suspended for one Test and fined 60 percent of his match fee, and his team-mates have been fined 30 percent of their match fees, for maintaining a slow over rate during their innings defeat to New Zealand in the first Test in Wellington.