WI making ‘small steps’ despite loss - Sammy

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

Despite a disappointing loss to England in the second One-Day International (ODI) on Saturday, West Indies white-ball head coach Daren Sammy says he is seeing some improvements in the regional side’s play.

After posting a competitive 328 for six from their 50 overs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, the West Indies were undone by a brilliant century from England captain Liam Livingstone, as the visitors scored 329 for five to level the three-match series.

In an interview following the match, Sammy explained that while the Windies’ bowling performance was not up to scratch, there were several positives that could not be ignored.

“Obviously, when you put 328 on the board you expect to win. However, that is the beauty about international cricket.

“I thought, yes, Liam Livingstone played a brilliant innings to get his team home, but I thought, as a bowling group, our execution was really off, hence losing to a record chase here at Antigua,” Sammy said.

“But we did some really good things today. Shai Hope scored another hundred, third most hundreds by a West Indian; Keacy Carty batted [well]; Sherfane Rutherford got his fourth consecutive half-century; the way Matthew Forde bowled; Roston Chase, after being put under pressure in the second over, the way he came back; so we did some really good things.

“I think we were right in the game until the last 10 overs, where I think they scored 100 off seven overs, and that’s not good enough. But as a team, we’re understanding where we’re at and the small steps that we have to take to improve,” he added.

With the third and final ODI, scheduled to be played on Wednesday at Kensington Oval, Sammy said the West Indies would be going all out in hopes of recording their second successive ODI series win against England at home.

“We are off to Barbados now 1-1, the exact same thing that happened last year…but it shows that we are still far off. But we are taking little strides that will help us along our way with the goal that we have moving forward.

“Barbados always supports West Indies. It is a rivalry and all to play for at home. The last time the series was like this heading into Barbados, we made history and won,” Sammy recalled.

“It’s two young teams looking to develop and get better in ODI cricket and all to play for. So I want the fans to come out and support and in return, we, as the West Indies cricket team, have to give you all something to smile about in Barbados.”