Sammy demands more hunger as Windies chase Bangladesh series sweep
Daren Sammy
Key Points(5)
- West Indies head coach Daren Sammy believes the groundwork laid before the opening Test against Bangladesh was instrumental in delivering an emphatic eight-wicket victory and putting the Caribbean side within reach of a significant series achievement.
- The Windies overwhelmed Bangladesh inside four days at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium to take a 1-0 advantage in the two-match series, with Sammy pointing to the team's preparation in India and subsequent work in Bangladesh as key factors behind their performance.
- Rather than treating the victory as a surprise, the head coach said it reflected the steady progress his players have made in the longest format and their growing ability to compete against quality opposition.
- Chennai camp laid the foundation Sammy placed particular emphasis on Cricket West Indies' decision to send the squad to the Super Kings Academy in Chennai following the conclusion of their white-ball commitments in India.
- The opportunity allowed the players to work extensively on conditions similar to those they would encounter in Bangladesh, particularly when facing spin bowling.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy believes the groundwork laid before the opening Test against Bangladesh was instrumental in delivering an emphatic eight-wicket victory and putting the Caribbean side within reach of a significant series achievement.
The Windies overwhelmed Bangladesh inside four days at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium to take a 1-0 advantage in the two-match series, with Sammy pointing to the team's preparation in India and subsequent work in Bangladesh as key factors behind their performance.
Rather than treating the victory as a surprise, the head coach said it reflected the steady progress his players have made in the longest format and their growing ability to compete against quality opposition.
Chennai camp laid the foundation
Sammy placed particular emphasis on Cricket West Indies' decision to send the squad to the Super Kings Academy in Chennai following the conclusion of their white-ball commitments in India.
The opportunity allowed the players to work extensively on conditions similar to those they would encounter in Bangladesh, particularly when facing spin bowling.
He singled out assistant coach Floyd Reifer for his contribution to preparing the batters for that challenge.
“I must commend the entire team for the way we fought, we stayed in the game.
“But I must go to the preparation that was put into that camp. Kudos to Cricket West Indies for allowing us to practise and prepare in Chennai at the academy. Floyd Reifer, and the work that he did with the batters, preparing them for these conditions, led us to what you saw from the batters versus spin,” Sammy said.
He also highlighted the importance of the additional work completed after the team arrived in Bangladesh, noting that seeing those preparations translate into match performances was particularly satisfying.
“And then obviously the preparations that we put in once we got here and seeing it transfer into the match, that was always pleasing for us.”
Spin battle highlights West Indies' improvement
For Sammy, one of the most encouraging aspects of the victory was the manner in which the West Indies handled Bangladesh's spin attack while their own bowlers gained the upper hand in that department.
The head coach said the visitors' ability to outperform the home side in a crucial area of the game demonstrated the benefits of their preparation and the progress being made within the Test team.
“Just the way that we bowled, I think our spinners outbowled their spinners and our batsmen responded to playing spin better than theirs and I think that was one of the most pleasing things for me and Coach Floyd,” Sammy said.
The victory also puts the Caribbean side in position to complete an unbeaten Test series year for the first time in 32 years, adding further significance to their performance in Dhaka.
Sixth-place WTC target remains in sight
Despite the commanding nature of the opening result, Sammy insisted that the team would not become complacent, with another demanding assignment awaiting them in Sylhet.
The second and final Test is scheduled to begin next Monday at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, where the West Indies will seek to complete a series sweep.
Sammy said the players had been challenged by their captain to remain focused on the mission established before the tour, with the team determined to finish the year strongly.
The broader objective is to secure sixth place in the current World Test Championship cycle, a target that remains attainable if the visitors win the final encounter.
“Same mentality, a little bit more hunger. The captain has challenged them from the time we got here about what the mission is. It is also important that we finish the year on a high.
“One thing I know about 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 and the attention to detail they put in their preparation, it tells me that whatever we face in Sylhet, we will be ready,” Sammy said.
With the opening victory providing evidence of their growing confidence and improved execution, the Windies now have an opportunity to turn a promising performance into a memorable series triumph.
