Darren Sammy, the captain of a team that had to deal with a wage dispute, missed drug tests, an unlawful bowling action, and squad withdrawals leading up to the competition, is distinctly optimistic about the West Indies’ chances at the World Twenty20.
The top cricket players in the Caribbean have been stumbling from drama to drama for a while now, but even by their own standards, the past few months have been crazy.
All-rounder Andre Russell could be banned for missing three doping tests in a year, star spinner Sunil Narine is still barred from bowling while he reconstructs his action, Kieron Pollard and Darren Bravo withdrew from the trip after being selected, and Sammy lodged acrimonious letters to the West Indies Cricket Board.
“We constantly experience setbacks as a team. That should serve as inspiration for us to play well outside.
No other team can match the vibes we convey when we play well,” he remarked.
“We’re prepared. The West Indies are set to face England at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.They have never defeated us in a World Cup (World T20), but every game is different.
“We are confident with the players we have in the dressing room.” Our lower order always makes me grin when I look at it.
“Everyone is energized. The same emotion was present when we triumphed in Sri Lanka.”We’re pretty confident in this format.”
Chris Gayle, the lively opener for the Windies, is one man who might have proven to be indispensable.
The 36-year-old will once again be the prize wicket at the Wankhede Stadium, but Sammy doesn’t think pressure affects his outlook on life.
“We have one of the most destructive T20 batsman at the top in Chris, but there’s never too much pressure on him,” he stated.
“Chris will simply carry out his career’s activities. Chris is free to activate it whenever he pleases.”
Eoin Morgan, the captain of England, had already shown his support for Narine, the former world number one who has not yet returned after failing an ICC bowling test in November.
“There’s obviously been a huge clampdown on illegal actions,” said Morgan.
It’s an extremely sensitive topic… I wouldn’t wish what Sunil is going through on anybody, and I’m sorry to see it.”
He has bowled in the same manner since he was 15 or 16 years old, so it’s certainly sad for him that at this point in his career, it’s only being looked at now, but there are laws in place that are being followed.”
