Sammy expects strong showing from WI on India Test tour

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

Having not won a Test series in India since 1983, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy is well aware of the challenges his side will face when they travel to the subcontinent for a two-match Test series next month.

However, Sammy said the team was in good spirits and was confident of doing well against the fourth-ranked Test side in the world despite being ranked four places lower.

It will be the regional side’s first Test tour to India since 2018 and will see the two sides clash in the opening Test at Ahmedabad from October 2 to 6, with the second match in Delhi from October 10-14.

Sammy admitted, though, that it would not be an easy task to end their 42-year drought.

“India, we all know, is going to be a challenge. It’s a place that I think since 1983 we have not won a series there, and I think that in itself speaks volumes about what we’re trying to achieve when we go down to India.”

Sammy said the selectors, before selecting the squad, identified the roles they felt could be executed and which will allow them to be successful and then they put in the personnel and the skill set to match the role that is required.

“That’s how we came about with the squad for India,” Sammy revealed during a press conference held by Cricket West Indies on Thursday.

“We are really looking forward because we have some guys returning with some skill sets, we have some guys who have missed out, but all in all, I think we have selected a really good squad based on the roles and the skill sets that will be required for India, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Sammy said as part of preparations for the tour, he was continually having conversations with the team to instil a sense of belief and confidence within the group.

“It’s not just one conversation. It’s a continuation of the brand of cricket and how we want to play, the betterment of skills, but to me, most importantly is the belief in one’s self, in one’s ability, in one’s technical ability as well, and trusting the process.

“I did say from the top that it’s been 42 years that we have not won a series in India and the challenges that we face, however, for me and the squad it’s understanding what we’re trying to achieve and the processes that we have to tick in achieving those things,” Sammy said.

The head coach said he had taken note of New Zealand’s 3-0 win over India last November, which condemned the latter to their first defeat in a Test series at home since 2012.

Sammy said the West Indies would be looking to emulate some of the tactics employed by New Zealand in their bid to win the series.