West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has warned his players against underestimating Bangladesh ahead of Wednesday’s opening Test in Mirpur.
Sammy acknowledged Bangladesh’s recent form but said West Indies had also been playing good cricket.
“When we started the Test Championship we were quite honest and realistic with ourselves, we were right where we wanted to be.
These next two Test matches present us with a great opportunity to finish the Test Championship with the goal we started in 2025.
“As usual, (we will) respect the opposition, study them and come up with plans that could help us be victorious. I’m quite sure we could come here and do that. In life there’s always pressure, how you handle it is the most important thing,” Sammy explained.
Drawing on his experience as a former West Indies captain, Sammy said touring Bangladesh had always been a pleasure.
“Bangladesh is a country that has always shown love, not only to me, but to the touring team. West Indies are normally everybody’s second favourite team.”
Sammy continued, “The way both teams have played this year, it’s going to be a keenly contested series. In the end whoever holds the momentum more in their favour, normally wins.
“We come here looking to do that. If you look at the way we played in the India series, shows the drive, the passion and the willingness to help turn around West Indies cricket,” Sammy stated.
Sammy also revealed that he had challenged his players to improve their performances to strengthen their bargaining position and attract sponsorship, amid Cricket West Indies’ precarious financial position.
With West Indies yet to lose a Test series so far this year, Sammy urged the team to maintain its focus and finish the current World Test Championship cycle strongly.
“The message to the guys, give it all. Ten days of Test cricket left in this cycle for us. Just go out and give it your all. Whatever motivates you, use that to go out and get performances. We don’t rely on one person (and while) we miss Shai Hope, it’s an opportunity for somebody else to step up and make a name for themselves.
“I think in life in general, if you prepare well you give yourself the best chance of performing,” Sammy added.
Sammy said he was excited about the series, with both teams facing plenty at stake, and hoped West Indies would emerge victorious.
“I’m excited to finish the Test Championship against a team like Bangladesh, who have proven to be extremely difficult to beat at home, especially coming from some good results in this year’s Test cycle. Hopefully, we entertain, but when we entertain, West Indies come out victorious.”
(KH)
