Sammy backs unchanged squad ahead of second Test

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC):

WEST INDIES head coach Daren Sammy addressed the media on Tuesday, dissecting his team’s performance in the first Test against Australia while looking ahead to the second match, a historic occasion for opener Kraigg Brathwaite, who will earn his 100th Test cap at the Grenada National Stadium today.

Sammy acknowledged the contentious umpiring decisions that sparked debate in Barbados, but emphasised that his side’s seven dropped catches were the primary reason for their defeat against the world’s top-ranked team.

Sammy, who was fined for his outburst against the officials, said he spoke to the match referee, who admitted there was some human error, but he has since put that aside and is now focusing squarely on the Grenada fixture.

“Yes, they (umpires) had some human errors, but I think the biggest thing is, we shot ourselves in the foot. You cannot drop seven catches against the world number-one team and expect to compete all the time and be victorious. We have a lot of blame to take for the defeat, but there were also some positives.”

The former West Indies captain admitted that the team had reviewed their fielding techniques and discussed ways to improve.

“These things happen in the game, and we’ve watched back some of the techniques and chatted about how we could practise better. In training, you slide the ball over the face of the bat; but in the game, it doesn’t happen like that. Maybe we need to get the fielders closer, work on their reflexes, reaction time, and hand positioning, and probably put guys in their most comfortable positions.”

Despite the loss, Sammy confirmed there would be no changes to the squad for the second Test, backing his players to bounce back.

“We’ve just started a Test championship cycle, and we believe the 11 we picked was the most balanced. After one game, there’s no need for panic. It’s about building a culture, establishing a brand of cricket, and giving guys a fair chance to perform.”

Sammy reserved special praise for opener and former captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who will play in his 100th Test. The coach, who was captain when Brathwaite debuted in 2011, highlighted the opener’s dedication over 14 years.

“I was privileged to be captain when he played his first Test against Pakistan, and now, as coach, I’ll see his 100th. That’s a massive achievement. He led the team during that period, and now he has the chance to level the series. It’s a special moment for him and the team.”