KINGSTON, Jamaica — Allrounder Darren Sammy is ready for the challenge of leading the Windward Island in the upcoming West Indies Cricket Board’s Four-day First-class competition which bowls off on Friday in Jamaica. The 26-year-old will be at the helm and says he expects his team to do will in the tournament. The Windwards have their opening match against Jamaica at Chedwin Park.
The Windward Islands have a steady batting line-up led by experienced left-hander Devon Smith and also including exciting young opener Andre Fletcher and allrounder Liam Sebastien. Sammy and former captain Rawl Lewis will also be expected to make significant contributions. The bowling is reliable, and features Sammy’s sharp seam bowler, Sebastien’s clever slow bowling alongside lively pacer Nelon Pascal and off-spinner Shane Shillingford, who is a big spinner of the ball.
Sammy, who has played 59 first-class matches – making 2339 runs and taking 142 wickets — said taking over from Lewis, who has led the Windwards for over 10 years, won’t be much of a problem.
“I’ve been playing under Rawl for so long, I still see him as my captain, he has a lot to offer Windward Islands cricket. I know he welcomes the opportunity in guiding me and helping me on,” Sammy said. “So far the team has gelled well together. It is quite a young bunch and with the experience of Rawl and Deighton Butler and these guys, I am expecting full support from them.”
SQUAD: Darren Sammy (captain), Devon Smith, Tyrone Theophille, Andre Fletcher, Donwell Hector, Keddy Lesporis, Liam Sebastien, Rawl Lewis, Lyndon James, Kenroy Peters, Shane Shillingford, Deighton Butler. Nelon Pascal.