West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has pointed to hard work as the driving force behind the regional side’s success in the opening Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur.
The regional side excelled with both bat and ball to secure an eight-wicket victory, keeping West Indies on course to finish the calendar year unbeaten in a Test series.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s start of the second and final Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet, Sammy described the result as very pleasing, pointing specifically to the preparation undertaken during a pre-series camp.
“I must commend the entire team. It was the way we fought and stayed in the game, but I must go to the preparation put into that (pre-series) camp. Kudos to Cricket West Indies for allowing us to practice and prepare in Chennai at the Chennai Academy. Obviously, the preparation we put in once we got here and seeing it transfer into the match, that was pleasing for us.”
According to Sammy, the recent victory also demonstrates how far West Indies have progressed as a Test team. He also stated that the team members are now settling into the roles they have been challenged to play.
“Just the way we bowled, I think our spinners outbowled their spinners and our batsmen responded to playing spin better than theirs. I think that was one of the most pleasing things for me and for coach Floyd (Reifer). He bragged about how we were going to challenge whatever total they put on and to see the guys go out and do that, (was good). Brandon King was special in the fourth innings.”
Sammy also credited the leadership of captain Roston Chase as critical to the side’s success, along with the willingness of the batsmen to put in the hard work required in practice.
“The constant work of Floyd Reifer with the batters but also their willingness to achieve some of the things that we’re trying to do. The way they’ve shown maturity and responsibility it’s all progress, and for me progress is success,” Sammy added.
Vice captain Jomel Warrican was named Player-of-the-Match following his nine wicket haul and came in for special commendation from Sammy.
“Jomel is one who pays attention to detail and always wants to know what is required of him. He’s not played many of the Test matches
this year. He missed the first Test against Sri Lanka, but apart from that, every time he’s gotten an opportunity now, he’s been brilliant for us.
“Three five-wicket hauls so far this year alone, proves his worth in the team. Sometimes we make decisions, and a lot of people might question it. But like I always say, we know within that circle which is called the West Indies cricket team what we’re about. We don’t just do crazy things, we plan, and there’s nothing better when a plan comes together. When he gets the opportunity to play in conditions that suit him, he has grabbed it with both hands,” Sammy stated.
Sammy wants his team to continue its winning form during the second Test, but he expects Bangladesh to bounce back and provide stiff opposition. He has urged the team to show the same mentality but with a bit more hunger.
“The captain has challenged them from the time we got here and it is also important that we finish the year on a high. One thing I know about Phil, (Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons) is that he will not make it easy. He wants to win as well.
“They have their own goals in the Test Championship as well, but I’m pretty sure with what I see from the guys, the hunger, the determination, the willingness to work hard, it tells me that whatever we face, we’ll be ready.”
(KH)
