Sammy And Ramdin Reflect On Key Partnership

Sammy And Ramdin Reflect On Key Partnership

Darren Sammy and Denesh Ramdin during their century partnership for the seventh wicket on day two

©WICB Media

There was a time on day two of the opening Test in Barbados, with West Indies teetering on 151 for six in reply to Zimbabwe's 211, that the home side were in trouble.

However, they were rescued by a record 106-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Darren Sammy, who struck 73 off 69 balls and Denesh Ramdin, who made 62.

West Indies went on to score 307 and then reduce Zimbabwe to 41 for three and will start day three in a strong position.

"We wanted to bat all day but we didn’t so when we came out to bowl we were hunting for wickets," Sammy revealed.

"From the time Zimbabwe came down we were focused on winning. We have won four Test matches [in a row] and before this Test series we said we wanted to win this one - take it game by game, day by day.

"We are well on top with the wickets - with Shillingford getting two wickets and Shannon bowling quite fast and getting the other wicket. We got three of their top order batmen out and they are still over 50 runs behind.

"We are heading on the right track. Tomorrow morning I will remind the guys that this game is not yet over. Cricket is a game of shifting fortunes and glorious uncertainties, so tomorrow we will have to come out there with the same attitude and mindset we had this afternoon, look for quick wickets and bowl them out very quickly."

Sammy's innings helped reverse West Indies' fortunes and Zimbabwe were unable to deal with his counter-attack.

"I backed myself and I played my natural game. I play to my strengths. That partnership with Ramdin and myself really put us in a good position and set up the game nicely. I always look to do my best and deliver what the team requires."

Ramdin, meanwhile, celebrated his 28th birthday with a measured innings of 62 in 130 balls, his ninth Test half-century.

He told WICB Media: "I was focused on getting a score and batting the team out of trouble. Wickets fell rapidly yesterday [Tuesday] and we had a few fall early in the day so I knew I had to settle in and stay focused on batting to the end [of the innings].

"It was good to celebrate my birthday with a good score to help rescue the team. It was also good to celebrate with my team-mates and special that my wife was here to see it as well."

On the key partnership with Sammy, he added: "It was fantastic batting with Sammy and I was thrilled to watch the way he dominated the bowling. He took all the pressure off me and put all the pressure on the bowlers. He loves to go after the bowling and that meant there was less pressure on me.

"He is that kind of player, he can change the game in quick time and I was just happy to rotate the strike and run hard between the wickets. I was glad to stick out there with him and do my part at the other end."

© Cricket World 2013