Steve Folkes ... Windies' new strength and conditioning coach.

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (CMC):

Australian Steve Folkes has been named as the West Indies team's new strength and conditioning coach for the New Zealand series.

Folkes, a legendary Australian Rugby League player and coach, comes to the regional side after having been the coach of the Bulldogs Team in Australia.

Since joining the squad, the 48-year-old has adopted a hands-on approach developing programmes for each player.

"It has been going really well. The sport is different from what I'm used to but the guys have been welcoming and we managed to do some decent sessions over the last few days. It's pretty good," Folkes said. "The switch from rugby league cricket is a bit different. My background is in strength and conditioning and then I went to coaching. The sports are different and the needs are different so I just need to adjust. I will learn by watching and I have spoken to head coach (John) Dyson and sought his advice."

Started preparation

West Indies arrived here earlier this week, following a minor visa hiccup and have already started their preparation for the Test series which begins on December 11.

The regional side had fitness and net sessions yesterday at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval and will be having similar sessions today at the same venue.

Folkes said he was aware of the West Indies' proud cricket heritage and hoped working with the team could help propel the Caribbean side back to prominence.

"I can remember going to the cricket ground in Australia and watching Sir Garry Sobers, Wes Hall, Rohan Kanhai, Roy Fredericks and other great West Indies players," said Folkes. "Naturally, I got autographs from them all so I understand that West Indies have a very proud and successful heritage. I will do my part to have a positive environment, good team atmosphere and good team culture."

He stressed, "My football career showed that I'm a winner and I know that the Windies are eighth in the world rankings right now, so I will do all I can to help to push that up and bring a winning attitude and positive drive."

West Indies face Auckland in a three-day tour match starting December 5.