West Indies head coach Daren Sammy believes his team have made a statement with their performances against India, despite the financial troubles at Cricket West Indies (CWI). The visitors have fought back to level the five-match T20I series 2-2, setting up a series decider against the reigning world champions on Saturday.
CWI recently announced pay cuts and shorter contracts for players as it continues to deal with financial difficulties. Sammy, however, believes the team’s showing in India has underlined their ability to compete at the highest level despite the problems back home.
“For us, what success means may be different to the viewers. With us as a group, I think it’s the first time we’ve won more than two games in 20 years (in India). I think the way we’ve played, we’ve sent a strong message,” Sammy said at the pre-match press conference on Friday.
The West Indies have matched India for much of the series and now have a chance to secure a memorable series win in Saturday’s final T20I. Sammy said the team’s ability to challenge the world champions was significant, given the circumstances surrounding West Indies cricket.
“In spite of all the challenges that we face, if we could come here and compete against the best team in the world, defending (ICC T20) champions (India), we tick boxes that keep us in the conversation,” he said.
“Before the series started, we all knew the big (pay) cuts and everything that happened. We’re still doing well and we continue to be a team that brings entertainment to the world when we are doing well. It’s not because of us, it’s in spite of all the challenges that we face.”
Sammy said the players needed to maintain their level of performance if they wanted to challenge the top sides regularly. He felt the series against India had given the squad confidence and showed what they could achieve when they played to their potential.
“My role and extension in management with the players is to go out there and do our best. Sometimes it’s hard, it’s inconsistent, but what I’ve seen in this series, it gives the guys a lot of confidence. I did say it was a way to measure where we are.
“If we could be consistent, the players that we have in the dressing room, they go out there and give their all. When they do that, we can compete and win games against anybody in the world,” he said.
SAMMY BACKS CHASE TO DELIVER AGAIN
Sammy reserved special praise for all-rounder Roston Chase, whose bowling has been a key factor in keeping India in check during the middle overs. Chase has regularly slowed the scoring rate and picked up wickets when India have looked to build momentum.
Chase has taken six wickets in the series, putting him level with Keemo Paul at the top of the wicket-taking charts.
“I think he’s now number three all-rounder in the world. He has a very defensive mindset. He relies on applying pressure, trying to dot up the opposition. Sometimes he may not get the results, but at the other end, the results may come. My thought, to me, he’s been the best bowler in the series so far,” Sammy said.
The West Indies coach said Chase’s ability to keep the batters quiet had helped the team claw their way back into matches after the powerplay.
“The way he continues to keep us in the game by applying pressure, it makes the job a little easier. I think that’s one of the reasons why we’ve been able to pull the game back after the power play,” he said.
Chase will have another important role to play in the decider at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Sammy acknowledged that bowling at the venue would be a challenge and called on his attack to deliver another strong performance.
“Hopefully, he continues tomorrow… he comes in and has a good game. Chinnaswamy is a tough place to bowl as well. It’s a place where the bowlers have to be spot-on. Hopefully, our bowlers can go out there and give one more big fight and that could help us win the series,” he added.
SAMMY EYES SERIES WIN IN FINAL T20I
For Sammy, winning the series would be the perfect way to end a competitive tour of India. The West Indies have already shown they can trouble the hosts, but the coach knows they will need another disciplined performance to finish the job.
Sammy also spoke about the excitement the team brings to cricket when they are playing well, saying their performances have made the series entertaining for fans.
“The fact that we make cricket really competitive is good for viewership. Once the West Indies is doing well, it lightens the mood of every single person.
“It’s been box office TV. Hopefully, tomorrow gives us that opportunity to bring the curtains down on an excellent tour of India,” he said.
– Ends
