THE West Indies will embark on another test series at home bowling off this morning, with the goal to build on the success of the team’s home series win against Sri Lanka last month.
So says Head Coach Daren Sammy.
He was speaking after the side landed in the twin-island republic on Thursday, adding that quick adjusts in the coming days from white-ball format to Test cricket will be key.
“We saw some good results against Sri Lanka; the plan is to continue in that vein, practise fine-tuning some of the skills, have a feel of what the surface gives and hopefully we can come out and play a good game of test cricket for the next five days.”
The coach says that he has a bowling unit that has delivered and he believes will continue to deliver.
“We have a bowling line up that can take 20 wickets, that is the first start to winning test matches, we saw it in New Zeeland, we say it in the Australia series, we matched Australia with the ball, we matched new Zeeland with the ball and the confidence and the work the batters have put in, you can see it bearing fruit in the test series against Sri Lanka, much more consistency.”
The opening test match, which bowls off at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, will be the first test match for the venue, and Sammy is hoping they get a favorable surface.
“We do have a playing eleven in mind, obviously unlike Antigua, because we train at the venue; we knew what the surface was going to be 10 days in advance. The conversation with the ground staff about what we as the home team want was fruitful, but here (Brian Lara Cricket Academy) I’m not sure if it is what I requested I’m getting as yet, but at the end of the day, whatever the surface brings, we have to be able to adjust and play the role that will help us to be successful.”
The former West Indies skipper turned coach says it has taken the team some time, but they are making steady improvement as a test unit.
“Looking at the world ranking, we are probably four or five points behind getting into the top 6. For me, it is trusting the process, understanding what is required, and the team knowing what we are looking to achieve, and each player has to understand the role they play in us achieving that.”
The series continues at Queen’s Park Oval with the second test match from August 2-6.
The Guyanese set to feature for the West Indies in the test series are Shemar Joseph, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, and Kemo Paul.
They are in the squad alongside skipper Roston Chase; Jomel Warrican (vice-captain); Joshua Bishop; Joshua Da Silva; Justin Greaves; Kavem Hodge; Shai Hope; Amir Jangoo; Brandon King; Kirk Mckenzie; Kemar Roach; and Jayden Seales.
