ST JOHN’S, Antigua — Although the West Indies fell to England in Saturday’s second One-Day International (ODI), West Indies white-ball Head Coach Daren Sammy sees promising signs of improvement in his squad.
Despite posting a competitive 328 for six at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, the hosts couldn’t hold back a blistering century from England captain Liam Livingstone, as England chased down the target to win by five wickets and tie the three-match series.
Following the match, Sammy acknowledged that while the West Indies’ bowling left room for improvement, several performances were worthy of praise.
“When you put 328 on the board, you expect to be in control. But that’s the nature of international cricket,” Sammy noted. “Liam Livingstone had an outstanding innings, but as a bowling unit, we missed our mark, which led to the record chase here in Antigua.”
Encouraging aspects of the team’s play
Despite the loss, Sammy highlighted encouraging aspects of the team’s play. “Shai Hope scored yet another century, placing him third in centuries for a West Indian. Keacy Carty and Sherfane Rutherford also contributed well, and we saw solid efforts from Matthew Forde and Roston Chase. We were right in it until the last 10 overs, where they scored 100 off seven—definitely something to work on. But we’re identifying the small steps we need to make to move forward.”
With the final ODI showdown set for Wednesday at Kensington Oval, Sammy emphasized the team’s determination to clinch the series on home soil.
“We’re heading to Barbados tied 1-1, just as we were last year when we made history. There’s plenty to play for, and we hope fans come out strong to support us in Barbados. It’s a rivalry and a chance to give fans something to cheer about,” Sammy said.
Both teams, young and eager to grow in ODI cricket, will face off for the series win, with the West Indies looking to capitalize on their home advantage.
, West Indies white-ball Head Coach Daren Sammy){kind=link}