Sammy feeling no pressure

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Darren Sammy has debunked suggestions that the job of West Indies captain has become like the proverbial albatross around his neck.

The all-rounder said the burden of leading the side has not impacted on his personal performance, and he still enjoyed playing the game.

“At the end of the day, if I didn’t think that I was capable enough to do the job, I wouldn’t take it,” Sammy told the Saturday Sun newspaper here.

Sammy was appointed to the position last November ahead of the tour of Sri Lanka, and has led West Indies three Tests, 15 One-day International, and a Twenty20 International since assuming the position.

“I enjoy leading the troops, and everybody working in one direction towards the cause of West Indies cricket,” he said.

“I normally enjoy my cricket. I play with a smile on my face whether things are up or things are down. I think my personality allows me to be that way and I enjoy every aspect of West Indies cricket.”

Sammy has scored 10 runs from three innings in Tests, albeit they were rain-affected; and 132 runs at an average of 13.20 in ODIs since becoming captain.

He has also taken two Test wickets at 75.50 apiece, and 10 ODI wickets at 45.40 each with an economy rate of 4.63 in his time in the position.