West Indies head coach Darren Sammy expressed confidence in his team as they prepare to face Pakistan in a two-match home test series starting this Saturday. The West Indies, currently ranked eighth in the World Test Championship points table, are coming off a 1-0 series victory against Sri Lanka. Sammy sees this win as a positive sign for the team’s resurgence and aims to climb up the rankings by defeating Pakistan, who are ninth in the standings.
“We could see some light coming through, especially with the Sri Lanka series. Now we have Pakistan. Looking at the world rankings, we’re probably four or five points behind getting into the top six of the table [they are eighth and just three points from getting to No. 6]. The team knows what we’re looking to achieve. And each player understands the role that they’re playing in us achieving that,” Sammy stated, as quoted by Cricinfo.
Sammy also mentioned that Amir Jangoo is still recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during the New Zealand series, and Shai Hope will likely assume wicketkeeping duties. “With the injury to Jangoo, it brings another ask of probably Shai Hope to take on the mantle of the gloves again, I’m speaking to him. I’m trying to ask him for a couple more favours, because you’ve got to also consider his workload, keeping in mind the other two formats and asking him to score some real runs. It’s a conversation we’ll have,” Sammy explained.
The series opener at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, scheduled from July 25 to 29, will be a historic moment as it marks the first men’s Test match at the venue and the 13th ground in the region to host international red-ball cricket. The second Test will be held at the Queen’s Park Oval from August 2 to 6.
