Cricket West Indies (CWI) says it has appointed Ramesh Subasinghe as the head coach of the West Indies Men's Academy.

He replaces Andre Coley, who was named West Indies Test team head coach in May 2023.

CWI described Subasinghe as the "ideal candidate" and said the appointment was a "pivotal step in advancing the organization's commitment to excellence in cricket development."

Subasinghe, a former Sri Lankan first-class cricketer, was the Head Coach of the New Zealand Cricket Men's Development Programme and the Otago Cricket Association Pathways Head Coach and Talent Development Manager.

He holds an ICC Global Level 3 coaching qualification and is qualified in coach development with New Zealand Cricket.

"Subasinghe has exhibited significant expertise in critical areas including developing and implementing high-performance systems, technical remediations and sports bio-mechanics, team and individual holistic skills development, injury prevention, and bowling loads management," CWI stated in a media release.

CWI said that 53 applicants applied for the position and 12 candidates were shortlisted.

From that, six persons were identified as finalists for the position.

Enoch Lewis, CWI Board Director and Chair of Cricket Development & Performance Committee; Miles Bascombe, Director of Cricket; Graeme West, High-Performance Manager and Oneka Martin-Bird, HR Manager, were all part of the selection process.

"It was a rigorous and transparent exercise, ensuring that only the most qualified and capable candidates were considered for this position," said Bascombe.

"We were given a clear mandate to choose the best talent at our disposal and we’re confident the most suitable candidate was identified," he added.

“Joining CWI presents an incredible opportunity for me to contribute to the organization's new strategic vision and build on their existing High-Performance programs, working with their best young cricketers," Subasinghe said.

"I look forward to collaborating with the exciting natural talent and the passionate cricketing communities in the West Indies," he added.

Subasinghe starts his role in May 2023 and will be based at CWI Headquarters at Coolidge, Antigua.