KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – A former West Indies captain believes Chris Gayle should have been asked to lead the regional team to Sri Lanka. While not saying newly appointed captain Darren Sammy was not a good choice, legendary fast bowler said the upcoming three-Test tour was not the time to insert a new leader.
“I just have to wish him (Sammy) well, but if you ask me personally I would have asked Chris (Gayle) to do it down there and ask Sammy to do it on the home tour, if you are going to make that change,” Walsh told CMC Sports. Sammy was announced on Sunday as Gayle’s replacement for the three-Test tour of Sri Lanka which starts next month.
The 26-year-old all-rounder, who also captains the Windward Islands, has played just eight Tests and will lead a side that has won just one Test in their last 15.
Also, West Indies have had a rough time in Sri Lanka in recent times, losing their last five Tests on the Asian subcontinent.
Walsh, who led West Indies in 22 Tests, said he hoped Sammy was successful and got the backing of the team. “Sending him to Sri Lanka is going to be new and strange for him but we just have to wish him well and that he goes down there and get stuck in and get the support of all his players,” the 47-year-old said.
“It’s going to be a testing time in Sri Lanka, but the support will be there for him from all the players in the squad I am sure.
“I think we the public at large can do the best we can to make sure he know he has our support as well.”
