West Indies coach Darren Sammy said that after initial challenges the team is showing signs of improvement. The victory over Sri Lanka has boosted confidence and now the team’s focus is on building momentum against Pakistan. The team will also pay tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers.
Beginning his tenure with successive test missions against Australia, India and New Zealand, Sammy said the team is beginning to show signs of growth and is now focused on building momentum. According to the ICC, Sammy said before the first Test, “Look, everything is a process. When I took over, our first three Test series were: Australia here in difficult conditions, West Indies in India, West Indies in New Zealand. Oops! Those three were really challenging.”
He further added, “And the players will also have opportunities to improve the team and mold them well together.” West Indies secured a 1-0 home series win over Sri Lanka earlier this month, a result which has boosted confidence in the team.
Now focus on creating rhythm
However, Sammy stressed that the team is focused on its long-term objectives rather than short-term success. “We could see some glimmers of hope, especially with the Sri Lanka series. Now we have Pakistan,” he said.
Sammy said, “So, for me, my process has always been simple: understanding the direction we want to go, my conversations with the director, conversations with the captain and the players, and how we do it. So if you see me calm all the time, it’s because I understand what we are trying to do as a group, and not paying attention to the outside noise.”
The team will pay tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers
The series against Pakistan will also hold added emotional significance for the hosts as it will be their first Test assignment after the demise of West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers. Sammy said that the team hopes to honor the legacy of this great all-rounder with their performance.
“We recently lost a great player like Sir Gary. The contribution he made to the Test game… because of him, we got so many fans, so many lovers of cricket. He made a huge contribution to it,” Sammy said.
He further added, “So throughout this series, we will try to honor his legacy and try to deliver a performance that he would be proud of.”
Team for test series against Pakistan
West Indies will be led by captain Roston Chase, while Jomel Warrican will play the role of vice-captain. The fast bowling attack includes Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales, while Justin Greaves and Keemo Paul provide seam-bowling all-round options.
The spin department includes Warrican, captain Chase and uncapped left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop, who has earned his first Test call-up after an impressive domestic season. Top-order batsman Kirk McKenzie also returns to the squad after strong performances for Jamaica in first-class cricket, while fast bowler Anderson Phillip has been dropped after featuring in the previous Test against Sri Lanka.
The first Test will begin on Saturday at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, while the second Test is scheduled to begin on August 2 in Port of Spain. (ANI)
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