Sammy Stunned by Unprecedented Event Like Nothing Seen Before
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed his surprise regarding the conditions at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. As the first ODI match against Bangladesh approaches, Sammy noted the unusual appearance of the wicket. This particular surface appeared blackish with noticeable patches of grass, distinguishing it from recent pitches at this prominent venue.
Daren Sammy Evaluates the Wicket Conditions
During a press conference held on Friday, Sammy indicated that he had never encountered a wicket quite like this one. He remarked on the challenges posed by playing in the subcontinent, especially for their batting lineup. “I’m not sure if we could replicate it; we’ve never seen anything like that before,” he stated, highlighting the uniqueness of the pitch.
Shai Hope Yet to Assess the Pitch
Meanwhile, West Indies captain Shai Hope admitted that he had not yet inspected the wicket. Sammy reassured that the team is prepared for the challenges ahead. “It’s going to be a challenge here at home in Bangladesh from what I’ve seen, but my team is well prepared,” he added.
Preparing for the ODI Series
The West Indies team arrived in Bangladesh following a two-Test series in India. Sammy revealed that players not involved in the Test matches practiced extensively in Chennai. This preparation is crucial for meeting the demands of playing on subcontinental pitches.
Focus on World Cup Qualification
Additionally, Sammy emphasized the importance of securing automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Following their failure to qualify for the previous World Cup, the focus is on accumulating points through successful performances.
- Last ODI series against Bangladesh: West Indies won 3-0 at home in December.
- Next World Cup: 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Sammy concluded by acknowledging the need for strong performances to overcome the challenges presented by the Bangladesh team. “We have to come here and play some good cricket in order to win,” he affirmed. The opening match is set to be a test of the West Indies’ adaptability and skill against the formidable home side.
