Sammy says Windies not daunted by first Test loss

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy says the regional side will not be discouraged by the 95-run loss to Australia in the opening Digicel Test at Sabina Park, as there were plenty positives to be taken from the match.

“Overall it was a good Test match, we showed fight, we showed spirit. Over the last two series we’ve showed improvement every game,” the 24-year old Sammy said.

“The public is asking for us to show fight. We won’t start winning right away but as long as we keep improving and show that we’re competing against the top teams in the world that augurs well for the future of West Indies cricket.”

West Indies entered the final day on Monday requiring 287 to win, after impressively ousting Australia for a meagre 167 in their second innings on Sunday.

The hosts faltered, however, falling for a timid 191 as Stuart Clark grabbed a five-wicket haul to wreck the innings.

“We gave the Australians a fight right down to the wire. We got ourselves into a winning position but the guys think that this Test match has more positives than negatives,” Sammy said.

“We bowled out Australia twice in a match which is a plus for us. The continued good batting of (Shivnarine) Chanderpaul and a whole total team effort [were also pleasing].”

Sammy emphasized the Windies performance came against the backdrop of the absence of captain Chris Gayle and main strike bowler Jerome Taylor, both of whom were ruled out through injury.

“Chris and Jerome are key members of our team and we missed them on the field but I must commend the other guys, even though we were missing two key players we still showed fight and spirit and determination,” Sammy stressed.