We`re looking to improve past record in India: Sammy
From Zee News
Kolkata: The last time they came here, India thrashed the West Indies 2-0 but visiting skipper Darren Sammy today said the Caribbean side is a lot more mature now and would be quite a handful for the hosts in the upcoming Test series starting November 6.
“We have come here winning six consecutive Tests. So we are a lot more matured this time,” the skipper said about two wins each against New Zealand, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
“The last time we played a Test, it was a thrilling draw. It`s just that we have not won here for a long time. We are looking to improve our performance from the last series,” Sammy said, elaborating on their `mission` to win a series here.”
Like India, the West Indies are also awaiting a milestone in their team as Shivnarine Chanderpaul, with 148 Test caps, is all set to become the first Caribbean player to play 150 Tests.
“In Chanderpaul, we have the most experienced player who would be playing his 150th Test, the most by any West Indian,” said Sammy.
He further said they have a good mix of youth and experience compared to the side which lost 2-0 in the three-match 2011 series.
“We had a lot of youngsters in our team in the last Test we played here in India. Chanderpaul is our only experienced batsman. We have young guys like Kirk Edwards, Darren Bravo then we have Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels who have been doing well. The team this time is much more mature,” said Sammy.
“We believe in our team that always been our strong point. We have good young fast bowlers. And, Shane Shillingford is a world class spinner. Kirk Edwards did well recently.”
“Marlon Samuels was the cricketer of the year, and Chris Gayle has had success in India. Once we play to our potential, it will be a competitive series,” Sammy added.
Having played in the IPL, the Windies will not have too much trouble adapting to the conditions, Sammy said.
“It (the IPL) presented us an opportunity to get used to the condition here in India, although it`s a different format of the game. Most of us are used to the conditions. We have just got to be more patient,” he said.
Asked about the ominous form of Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, he said, “Both are in great form. We have discussed it among our team. You will see our execution when the Test starts.”
Sammy is no more the one-day skipper but he said he is enjoying playing for the country.
“Whether I`m captain or not you would see the same approach. As a team we have got to keep improving. I`ve been enjoying my cricket.
“I would not say it`s easier. At the end of the day, it`s the pressure of International cricket. I continue to enjoy playing for the West Indies,” he said.
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