ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Darren Sammy was yesterday re-appointed West Indies captain until year end, ending speculation over the 27-year-old St Lucian’s role in the regional side.
Without any fanfare, the West Indies Cricket Board announced that Sammy would lead the Windies to England for the Twenty20 International doubleheader against the hosts next month and would also oversee the away series against Bangladesh and India later this year.
“Sammy, whose initial stint as West Indies captain ended at the end of the West Indies vs India series, has been re-appointed captain – in all forms of the game – for the two T20s along with the tour to Bangladesh and India from October to December this year,” a WICB statement read.
Though the latest move effectively puts to rest the captaincy issue in the short term, it is likely to further intensify debate over Sammy’s place in the final XI, especially in the Test arena.
Ever since he replaced Chris Gayle last October, some pundits have argued that his lower order batting and steady medium pace were not enough to command a place in the squad in the longer form of the game.
In eight Tests since becoming captain, Sammy has struggled with the bat averaging 12.76 but has more success with the ball, capturing 19 wickets at 31, including a spell of five for 29 which bowled West Indies to victory in the first Test against Pakistan back in May.
Under his watch, West Indies have won one Test, lost two and drawn five.
In 22 One-Day Internationals as skipper, Sammy has scored 162 runs and taken 17 wickets, and presided over nine wins and 12 losses.
West Indies will now head to England for the T20Is on September 23 and 25, before going on to Bangladesh and India.