KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC – West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy says he is content with his role in the regional team’s attack, following his five-wicket haul in the opening Test against Bangladesh.
The 25-year-old medium pacer finished with five for 70 in the Bangladesh second innings on the final day although the Windies went on to lose the Test by 95 runs at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.
“The role I have been asked to do I am very comfortable with it. It is the kind I role I perform for the Windward Islands in regional cricket,” said the West Indies vice-captain.
“I have fitted in very well and it is all about taking the opportunities. Everyone is keen and eager to represent the West Indies and we are enjoying it.”
Sammy’s performance was his second five-wicket haul in Tests following his seven for 66 on debut against England at Old Trafford two years ago.
The St Lucian, who has struggled to break into the Test side, now has 19 wickets from six matches.
He said he was aware of his limitations as a strike bowler and therefore tried to build pressure on batsmen as a means of forcing mistakes.
“I managed to get five wickets and I was very pleased with my performance. I have been asked to get wickets and I went out there, first to create pressure on the Bangladesh batsmen, and then to look to get the wickets,” Sammy explained.
“Everybody knows I am not an out-and-out attacking bowler who will fire out batsmen. I like to build pressure and try to get among the wickets.
“If I can’t get a wicket I always hope that the bowler at the other end would be able to capture one. It is all about bowling in partnerships and keeping the batsmen in check.” Sammy was one of 15 players hastily assembled for the first Test following industrial action by the first choice players over pay and contract issues.
He has been retained in a 14-squad which for the second Test starting tomorrow at the National Stadium in Grenada and said he was looking forward to the contest. “This coming match it will be very important that we repeat the performance of the final morning when we took five wickets in an hour,” Sammy pointed out.
“We need to continue to bowl in those very good areas and make life tough for the batsmen. We had many positives from the first match and we are really looking forward to levelling the series when we play on Friday.”
