ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Despite the inexperience of his charges in English conditions, West Indies captain Darren Sammy has remained upbeat about their chances in the upcoming three-Test series against England.
Nine members of the 15-man squad have never played an international in England but Sammy says he is banking on the fighting spirit displayed against Australia to pull the Windies through.
“[England will be] different conditions, some of the guys are playing there for the first time,” Sammy told reporters.
“We’ve still got to learn and believe that whatever comes our way that we can overcome it. It’s going to be another tough series for us but like we fought against Australia we’re expecting to do the same against England.
“[We need to] keep showing that attitude and hopefully we can get victories in England.”
Openers Adrian Barath and Kieran Powell, along with key top order batsmen Darren Bravo and Kirk Edwards will be making their maiden tour of England.
Bravo, however, had a taste of English conditions when he undertook a short County stint with Nottinghamshire last season.
Middle order batsmen Narsingh Deonarine and Assad Fudadin, along with fast bowlers Kemar Roach, Ravi Ramaul and Shannon Gabriel, and off-spinner Shane Shillingford are also on their first tours.
West Indies selectors have, however, recalled wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin and batsman Marlon Samuels both of whom have toured England already. Sammy said the players would be assets to the squad.
“Both of them have been part of our set up. Its unfortunate for wicketkeeper Carlton (Baugh), he has kept really, really well for us but the selectors have decided that they are going to go with Denesh Ramdin and we are going to welcome him into the team and hopefully he will contribute with bat and glove,” Sammy explained. “Marlon, all of last year was part of our team and he too comes in and hopefully we are expecting him to play a part in our success in England.”
Sammy has had one tour of England and played one Test, taking seven for 66 in the second innings of the Old Trafford affair, a match West Indies lost by 60 runs.
Veteran left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul remains the most seasoned campaigner in English conditions with 13 Tests, three centuries and an average of 64.
West Indies arrive in England Wednesday for a series comprising three Tests, three One-Day Internationals and one Twenty20.
