Sammy Expecting Improvement In Second Test

Sammy Expecting Improvement In Second Test

Darren Sammy expects his team to put in an improved performance when the Test series moves on to Dhaka

©Action Images / Andrew Boyers Livepic

West Indies captain Darren Sammy expects his side to step up and show improvement during the second Test against Bangladesh, which gets underway in Dhaka on 29th October.

Although two full days were lost to rain in the opening game in Chittagong, the West Indies were still put under severe pressure by the home side, ceding a first-innings lead and then losing two wickets in a final session when they were set 226 to win before the game was drawn.

"We did some good things in this match and we saw some players getting some good performances but overall as a team we need to show some improvement as we look to win the next match and take the series," he said.

He went on to pay tribute to wicket-keeper Carlton Baugh, who took five catches for the first time in a Test, while Sammy himself registered his maiden Test half-century.

"Carlton Baugh had a good match behind the stumps and that was really good to see. He keeps on getting better. The bowlers worked really hard on this pitch and I would like to applaud them for the effort they put in.

"As a batting group we did not put up the first innings score we hoped for and it’s a matter of being a bit more patient when we’re at the crease. A few batsmen got starts so the aim will be to convert those starts into big scores, which we know the batsmen are all capable of doing. We have a quick turnaround before the second match in Dhaka, where we believe the pitch will be a bit different from the one we saw here in Chittagong.

"On a personal note it was good to get my first Test fifty. Whenever I go to the crease I know I have to make a contribution with the bat and it was good that I could get a score here for the team. It’s not about answering critics or anything like that. It’s about doing my best for West Indies cricket and fighting hard for the team."

He readily conceded that Bangladesh used the home conditions effectively but believes if his side can be patient, they will prosper.

"Bangladesh played well throughout the match. They used the conditions quite well; their batting was good too. They posted 350 and it always gives you a good chance to control the game. The debutant [Elias Sunny] showed a lot of composure. He took wickets but looking back, he gave four runs an over, so he offered scoring opportunities. So if you look at it, overall, we need to be more watchful and patient, and looking for scoring opportunities."

© Cricket World 2011