Are the bowlers really prepared? WI coach Daren Sammy after another strong display against Australia
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Synopsis
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expresses his satisfaction with the confidence and performance of his fast-bowling unit after they restricted Australia to just 286 runs on a rain-affected day at the National Cricket Stadium. With key wickets taken and a strong team effort, the stage is set for an exciting Day 2.
Key Takeaways
- Daren Sammy highlights the importance of preparation for bowlers.
- The West Indies pace attack has effectively challenged Australia's batting order.
- Key wickets were taken, demonstrating a strong bowling performance.
- The match is finely balanced heading into Day 2.
- Australia's all-rounder acknowledged the tough conditions for batting.
Grenada, July 4 (NationPress) The West Indies' head coach Daren Sammy is witnessing a boost in confidence among his fast-bowlers following a remarkable performance that saw them restrict Australia to just 286 runs on an opening day affected by rain during the second Test at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada.
This achievement marks the third instance in this series where the West Indies pace attack has successfully bowled out the world’s top Test team for a low total, setting the stage for a tightly contested ICC World Test Championship match as it heads into Day 2.
“I see it as the homework we've prepared and our bowlers continually challenging the top-order,” Sammy stated after the day's play. “With bowling coach Ravi Rampaul joining us, we've worked hard to change our culture, and most importantly, the bowlers are embracing it, which is reflected in their performance.”
The fast bowlers for the home team collectively took the wickets, with Alzarri Joseph leading the charge by securing 4 for 63, including the important dismissals of Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja. Jayden Seales also contributed with 2 for 45, ensuring Australia never found their rhythm, despite some brief resistance.
“As I mentioned, we’ve taken 30 wickets in three innings — which is impressive,” Sammy noted. “Often, teams would declare or dominate against our attack in the first innings.”
Sammy expressed satisfaction with the match situation at stumps, despite moments where Australia seemed poised to take control. “If you begin the day with the opposition winning the toss and batting, limiting them to 280 runs is a positive outcome,” he commented.
“In three innings against the best team in the world, we’ve claimed 30 wickets, possibly 37 if you include all the dropped catches. There were moments after lunch where we allowed them to gain ground, but the session after, where we took five wickets, really balanced out the game.”
From the Australian side, all-rounder Beau Webster, who was the top scorer with 60 runs, recognized the difficulties faced in batting and pointed out the opportunities for bowlers as the match unfolded.
“The pitch is providing enough assistance, especially with the new ball, which swung significantly during the morning session. We hope to capitalize on that tomorrow,” Webster said. “I would have preferred to have a three in front of Australia’s total, but 286 is a solid score for the day,” he added.
Point of View
It is evident that the West Indies cricket team is undergoing a significant transformation under coach Daren Sammy. The collective effort of the bowlers not only showcases their skills but also hints at a resurgence in West Indies cricket, with the potential to challenge the top teams globally.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the West Indies perform against Australia?
The West Indies bowlers excelled, bowling out Australia for just 286 runs on a rain-affected day.
Who were the standout bowlers for West Indies?
Alzarri Joseph led the attack with 4 for 63, while Jayden Seales contributed with 2 for 45.
What does Daren Sammy say about his bowlers?
Daren Sammy believes his bowlers have done their homework and are effectively challenging the top-order batsmen.
What was Australia's response to the bowling performance?
Australian all-rounder Beau Webster acknowledged the challenging batting conditions but felt that 286 was a decent score.
What is the significance of this match for West Indies?
This match is crucial for West Indies as they aim to perform well against the world's number one Test team.
