BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Captain Darren Sammy said he is in no doubt about the critical role he plays in the West Indies side as the third seamer, after his outstanding morning spell pegged back Australia on the third day of the opening Test here yesterday.
In an unbroken 10-over spell, Sammy claimed two for 14 to help reduce Australia to 84 for three, after the visitors resumed the day on 44 without loss in response to West Indies’ 449 for nine declared.
Australia eventually finished the day 248 for five.
“I understand my job in the team and I just go out there and do it. Everybody will have their opinions but as a unit going forward I know I’m a crucial member in this bowling unit,” Sammy told reporters.
“Fidel (Edwards) and (Kemar) Roach go at four [runs] an over in Test cricket, (Devendra) Bishoo goes at three and I go at two-point-something. My job is crucial in the team set up and I go out and try to do that everyday.”
He added: “I work hard to get my wickets. I’m not fast like Fidel and Roach. I’m more looking to contain first and hope the batsmen make the errors.
“I’ve been working with coach (Ottis) Gibson for the last two years and as you can see, all the West Indies bowling unit has improved under him and we’re just looking to continue that.”
Sammy, a steady right-armer, prised out both openers David Warner (42) and Ed Cowan (14), before former captain Ricky Ponting was run out for four in a horrible mix up over a second run with Shane Watson.
The spell helped set the tone for the Windies performance as their bowlers took wickets at crucial points to limit the Australians.
“I was just doing my job. From the time I was picked in the Test squad, my job was to bowl tight,” Sammy said of the spell.
“If you look at the makeup of the team I’m the most economical bowler. They (Australia) went off to a flyer yesterday and we looked at our run rate … and the main job was to [limit the scoring] and pick up wickets in between and we managed to do that. It was a good day for us in the field.”
He continued: “They were going at four-plus an over and you needed someone to pull it back and that’s the role I usually take on.”
Australia will enter Tuesday’s penultimate day 201 runs behind the Windies total, and Sammy said he believed the first session would be important.
“We’re going to take confidence from today. We’ve got to have this side [bowled] out,” Sammy said.
“We’re one wicket away from Peter Siddle I think. They way the ball is spinning and we have the new ball which is also due, so the chances for us look good.
“The first hour is crucial tomorrow so if can get some breakthroughs we can set them on the back foot.”