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5 great cricketers who struggled in the role of coach

Even if you excel in doing something, it does not necessarily mean that you can effectively help others in doing the same. On the other hand, people who perform averagely at a certain task may be able to teach others to do it far more efficiently.

In cricket, there are a number of examples of how players with none-too-great track records have gone on to lead teams extraordinary heights as a coach. But you will also find quite a few instances of legendary cricketers failing to deliver the goods in a coaching role.

Some of these cricketers used to be role models in their playing days but were unable to establish the same status as a coach. Here are 5 cricketing icons who had forgettable stints as coach:

Vivian Richards

Viv Richards during one of his training sessions as West Indies coach

One of the greatest batsmen to have ever played the game, Vivian Richards, may have set the cricketing world on fire with his outstanding batting prowess. But when it came to coaching, his performance can be described as disastrous at best.

West Indian fast bowling legend Malcolm Marshall was the head coach of his national team during the 1999 World Cup, but he had to pull out during their campaign due to ill health. Richards was named as his replacement and had virtually no time to settle down as the West Indies  crashed out in the group stage.

Next, he travelled to New Zealand with the Test side and little did Richards know that disaster awaited him there too. The men from the Caribbean were thrashed black and blue and conceded the series to the Kiwis 2-0.

Post that, Vivian Richards did not receive any further opportunities to improve on his debacle as a coach, although he has played mentoring roles in domestic T20 leagues.

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