From international cricketer to mentor, former West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich is finding new purpose in helping to shape the next generation of Caribbean talent.
Having recently joined Cricket West Indies (CWI) as a coach within the High-Performance Unit, Dowrich is currently serving as a skills coach with the West Indies Women’s team during the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales. While the role represents a new chapter in his cricket journey, it is one he has embraced with enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility.
For Dowrich, coaching is an opportunity to give back to the game and organisation that played such an important role throughout his career.
“The girls have really welcomed me and give me the opportunity to help them in any way I possibly can,”
Dowrich said.
“Obviously, I feel a sense of responsibility to give back to the game that has given me so much in life and to the organisation itself that’s been there throughout my journey, from Under-19 cricket right the way through to senior men’s cricket and now as a coach.”
Drawing on years of experience representing the West Indies at the highest level, Dowrich believes one of the most valuable contributions he can make is helping players understand the demands of international cricket.
“I would say one of my greatest strengths I can bring to this group is my international experience and helping these girls understand what being an international cricketer is about and how best they can perform at that level,”
he explained.
“International cricket comes with a lot of different stresses and situations that you have to be able to handle. Having been through that, I bring a sense of understanding that they can go through it as well and perfect their art and their skills at that level.”
The transition from player to coach has also brought a fresh perspective on the game.
“You have to think about your own environment and how you get the best out of the individual, as everyone’s different,”
he said.
“Everyone learns differently and sees things differently. It’s really opened my mind, and I’ve been able to think about things differently and have a different perspective on how cricket should be played.”
Among the current West Indies Women’s squad, Dowrich sees similarities between his own playing approach and that of all-rounder Jannillea Glasgow.
“I think when I look around this team, I see a bit of myself in Glasgow,”
Dowrich reflected.
“The way she goes about her work, she’s never really seeking glory. She always lets the situation dictate how she plays and she’s always ready to take whatever opportunity she gets.”
Having experienced numerous high-pressure moments during his international career, Dowrich is keen to pass on lessons that can help players thrive when the stakes are highest.
“As a player, I found myself in a lot of high-pressure situations, so being a coach now I would probably say back yourself, back your process and just be fearless,”
he said.
“A lot of times when you stick to what you’re accustomed to doing and the things that you practise most often, you get through those tough situations. When you start to doubt and second-guess yourself, then you start to fumble the ball a bit.”
While the transition into coaching is still relatively new, Dowrich has already discovered what he finds most fulfilling about the role.
“I think the most rewarding part of coaching is seeing your players do well, seeing them achieve things that you probably would have talked about, and seeing them execute skills that you’d have worked on,”
he said.
“There’s no better feeling than seeing a player go on to do well and perform in big moments.”
As the West Indies Women continue their campaign at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Dowrich’s experience, insight and passion for player development are helping to strengthen the team’s pursuit of success, while also marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting coaching journey for the former Senior Men’s player.
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