West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy addressed the media on Tuesday in Grenada, ahead of the second Test against Australia. The second Test will be held at the Grenada National Stadium.
Fielding Woes and Umpiring Concerns
Sammy acknowledged the team's shortcomings in the first Test, which they lost. He noted that seven dropped catches contributed significantly to the defeat.
Yes, they (umpires) had some human errors, but I think the biggest thing is, we shot ourselves in the foot. You cannot drop seven catches against the world number-one team and expect to compete all the time and be victorious. We have a lot of blame to take for the defeat, but there were also some positives.
Sammy also commented on contentious umpiring decisions during the first Test.
The team has been reviewing fielding techniques and discussing improvements. Sammy explained the coaching staff has been working with the team to improve reflexes and reaction time.
These things happen in the game, and we’ve watched back some of the techniques and chatted about how we could practise better. In training, you slide the ball over the face of the bat; but in the game, it doesn’t happen like that. Maybe we need to get the fielders closer, work on their reflexes, reaction time, and hand positioning, and probably put guys in their most comfortable positions.
Squad Unchanged, Brathwaite's Milestone
The West Indies will field an unchanged squad for the second Test. Sammy stated there is no need for panic after one game, and it's about building a culture, establishing a brand of cricket, and giving guys a fair chance to perform.
We’ve just started a Test championship cycle, and we believe the 11 we picked was the most balanced. After one game, there’s no need for panic. It’s about building a culture, establishing a brand of cricket, and giving guys a fair chance to perform.
Kraigg Brathwaite will earn his 100th Test cap in the second Test. Sammy recalled his time with Brathwaite, who is a West Indies Opener, and former captain.
I was privileged to be captain when he played his first Test against Pakistan, and now, as coach, I’ll see his 100th. That’s a massive achievement. He led the team during that period, and now he has the chance to level the series. It’s a special moment for him and the team.
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