TORONTO, Canada, CMC- Former West Indies cricket captain Clive Lloyd says Darren Sammy should not have been relieved of his duties as skipper of the regional side for One Day International matches.
Sammy, who has been retained as captain of the T20 and test teams, was removed as leader of the ODI squad and replaced with Dwayne Bravo who captained the side in the just ended ICC Champions Trophy.
Lloyd, who led West Indies during an era when they were world beaters, says the St. Lucian all-rounder deserves to be retained as captain since he has performed well in the role.
“I don’t have a problem with Dwayne’s (Bravo) captaincy; he is a fine cricketer and can be called upon anytime,” said Lloyd.
“But I think Sammy has taken over the responsibility at a difficult time and he has done well since then and deserved a longer try, however, I am confident they will do well against Sri Lanka and India in the Caribbean”.
The former Windies captain was speaking in Toronto where he was part of the Guyana delegation celebrating the country’s 47th Independence anniversary.
Lloyd has expressed confidence in West Indies ability to win the tri-nation series starting today involving India and Sri Lanka but says the bowlers need to show more consistency.
“I strongly believe we have a very good and balanced team but the guys have got to play to the best of their abilities; the bowling’s a little weak, they need to work and try different bowlers,” said the 68-year-old Lloyd.
“Kemar Roach is an excellent bowler and he should be the one to look at while I think they should try Guyanese fast bowler Ronsford Beaton; he is very impressive”
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The West Indies, led by Bravo, start their campaign against Sri Lanka at Sabina Park today before taking on India at the same venue on Sunday.
Lloyd, who featured in 110 Test and 87 ODIs matches for West Indies, says the tri-nation tournament will be good preparation for the Windies ahead of the ICC World Cup next year.
“It will serve as a preparation series for West Indies and the other participating teams,” said Lloyd.
“I think we have great ‘strikers’ of the ball and that should boost their confidence of this important assignment beginning on Friday; they are at home and that is a huge advantage”.
