Sammy hails ‘Greatest’ Hope ahead of 150th ODI milestone

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Jun 5, – As Shai Hope prepares to step onto the field for his 150th One-Day International at Sabina Park on Saturday, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has lavished praise on the captain, calling him one of the finest batsmen the region has ever produced in the 50-over format.

“He’s been leading the batting for us over the last three to four years. I see him as one of our greatest ODI batsmen,” Sammy said. “His record, his consistency, having been here working with him, seeing him work, there’s no surprise to me about the numbers he puts out there.”

Hope, who averages over 50 in ODIs, a feat that places him among the global top 10, has earned Sammy’s admiration not just for the runs, but for the relentless preparation behind them.

The right-hander has scored 19 centuries and 31 half-centuries, with his highest score being 170 vs Ireland.

“He pays a lot of attention to details with his preparation, and he works really hard to be consistent,” Sammy added. “So congrats to you, Shai, on this milestone, and hopefully you and the rest of the team can make it a victorious one.”

The milestone match also carries serious series implications. After falling behind 1-0 to Sri Lanka, the West Indies need a win in the second ODI to square the three-match contest at 1-1. And Sammy has identified a clear area for improvement.

“I thought we definitely have to play their spin much better,” he said, pointing to the first game where Sri Lanka’s spinners conceded just 68 runs off 20 overs. “Some of the key points we highlighted before the series were that we have to find ways to score off opponents’ slow bowlers, and that will make a big difference.”

Sammy remained confident despite the early setback, noting that this West Indies side has bounced back before.

“We’ve been in positions like this before for some of the series we’ve won at home, and come back stronger. So, that’s what we’re looking to do.”

Following the three ODIs against Sri Lanka on June 3, 6 and 8 the sides will play three T20Is, also in Jamaica, followed by two Tests in Antigua. CMC