Sammy credits Reifer as Windies’ batting revival reaches historic heights

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy believes the resurgence of the team’s batting fortunes is the product of patience, preparation, and the steady influence of batting coach Floyd Reifer.

The praise came after a landmark performance against Sri Lanka in the opening Test, where West Indies produced one of their most dominant batting displays in recent memory before securing an emphatic innings-and-217-run victory.

The result ended a nearly two-and-a-half-year wait for a Test win and highlighted a significant shift in the team’s approach at the crease.

Sammy said Reifer’s commitment has played a central role in that development.

A record-breaking batting display in Antigua

West Indies overwhelmed Sri Lanka with a massive first-innings total of 626 for nine declared, their first Test innings beyond 600 runs since 2012.

The foundation of that total was a historic partnership between wicketkeeper-batter Amir Jangoo and captain Roston Chase.

Jangoo produced a magnificent 233, while Chase followed with 194, as the pair combined for a record sixth-wicket stand of 401 runs, the highest ever recorded for that position in Test cricket.

Their partnership transformed the match and demonstrated the confidence and patience West Indies have been searching for.

Sammy defends and celebrates Reifer’s contribution

Speaking after the victory, Sammy said Reifer deserves recognition for the improvements seen across formats.

He acknowledged that the batting coach has often faced criticism during difficult periods, but insisted that Reifer remained committed to the process.

“It’s a combination of Floyd Reifer and the willingness of the players, the work ethic of the players,” Sammy said.

“We’re here to prepare them as coaches, but buying in to the preparation, buying into the different aspects and techniques and areas of improvement and committing to the work.”

Sammy specifically highlighted Reifer’s resilience despite public scrutiny.

“But I have to single out Floyd Reifer for that. He gets a lot of flack when we’re not batting well, the cameras focus on him all the time, but he has never faltered,” he said.

“He’s been strong in his messaging, his work ethic is amazing, and he continues to put in the work with the batters, so I’m going to give him his flowers.”

Progress built over time

According to Sammy, the turnaround has not happened overnight.

He pointed to a steady increase in centuries across formats over recent seasons as evidence that the team’s batting culture is improving.

“Just seeing in the Test arena and even in the One Day International format as well, the amount of hundreds we’ve had over the last three years, it’s been slow but it’s progress and that’s what we’re about, trying to build on progress,” he said.

The coach believes the combination of technical work and greater player ownership has helped create a stronger batting identity.

Jangoo and Chase rewrite the record books

The Antigua performance produced several historic milestones.

Jangoo’s double century became the second-highest individual score in a West Indies-Sri Lanka Test, behind only Chris Gayle’s famous 333 in Galle in 2010.

It was also the first double century by a West Indies player on home soil since former captain Jason Holder scored an unbeaten 202 against England in Bridgetown in 2019.

The 401-run partnership between Jangoo and Chase also entered elite territory.

It became the second-highest partnership for any wicket in West Indies Test history, behind the legendary 446-run second-wicket stand between Garfield Sobers and Conrad Hunte against Pakistan in 1958.

The pair batted together for 100.2 overs, making it one of the longest partnerships ever produced by the West Indies.

A historic team total signals new confidence

The performance also carried wider significance.

The 626-run total was the highest West Indies score ever recorded against Sri Lanka, surpassing their previous mark of 589 for nine declared in Galle in 2010.

It marked the first time West Indies scored more than 500 runs in a Test innings since 2013 and the first time they reached that milestone in a home Test since 2012.

The partnership was also only the second 400-plus stand ever recorded against Sri Lanka, following the 467-run third-wicket partnership between Martin Crowe and Andrew Jones in 1991.

Building a new West Indies batting identity

For Sammy, the victory represented more than a single dominant performance.

It reflected the gradual rebuilding of confidence and discipline within the squad.

With Reifer continuing to guide the batters and players embracing the preparation process, West Indies believe they are developing the foundation needed for sustained success.

The record books now show the result.

But for Sammy, the bigger achievement is the progress behind it.