BIRMINGHAM, England, CMC — West Indies head coach Darren Sammy remained upbeat regardless of poor climate disrupting his crew’s preparations forward of the primary ODI in opposition to England on Thursday at Edgbaston.
Compelled indoors for his or her internet session on Tuesday, Sammy emphasised his crew’s readiness to face the challenges posed by England as they proceed their push in direction of automated qualification for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
“It’s all the time a problem; Eire was a problem, England is a problem, and each worldwide crew poses totally different exams. For us, it’s about persevering with to consider and persevering with to work onerous. We maintain the trophy from successful the sequence at house, and now we’re centered on enhancing our away document. Now we have a crew able to doing that.”
With the West Indies presently ranked ninth within the ODI standings, simply three factors behind England, Sammy careworn the significance of climbing the rankings to safe automated qualification.
“Ever since we began this journey, we’ve had 2027 in thoughts. Computerized qualification is the primary aim, and climbing the rankings is the one manner to do this. Each ODI from now till the qualification deadline is essential, and this sequence is an enormous alternative.”
Sammy reserved particular reward for the West Indies middle-order batting, singling out the speedy rise of Keacy Carty as a primary instance of onerous work paying off.
“Our center order over the past yr has been on par with one of the best on the earth. Keacy Carty is proof that dedication brings rewards. The function we’ve given him, he’s grabbed it and excelled. Once you make investments, you don’t all the time anticipate such excessive returns so shortly, however Casey has defied the chances.”
Whereas acknowledging that some gamers are growing sooner than others, Sammy expressed confidence within the crew’s upward trajectory. Nevertheless, he admitted that translating house success into away performances stays a hurdle.
“We’ve struggled away from house in locations like Sri Lanka and Australia, however in Eire, aside from that first 10 overs within the opening recreation, our batting was stable. Now, we have to repeat that right here.”
Sammy additionally highlighted the progress of younger quick bowler Jayden Seales, whose new-ball spells have been a shiny spot.
“Our bowling is enhancing, particularly Jayden with that new ball. There’s wholesome competitors for locations primarily based on efficiency, which is precisely what we wish.”
With rain threatening to play an element within the sequence opener, Sammy remained pragmatic. “We’re getting ready effectively with the circumstances we’re given. Climate allowing, we’ll be prepared.”
