West Indies ready for England challenge, says Darren Sammy
Tuesday 15 March 2016 19:04, UK
Darren Sammy says the West Indies have put their chaotic preparation behind them and are ready for Wednesday's World Twenty20 opener with England.
For several years the Windies have staggered from one drama to the next, but even by their own standards recent months have been a rollercoaster.
Sammy sent testy letters to the West Indies Cricket Board airing grievances over the proposed remuneration for the competition, all-rounder Andre Russell faces a potential ban after missing three doping tests in a year, star spinner Sunil Narine remains banned from bowling while he reconstructs his action, while Kieron Pollard and Darren Bravo pulled out of the trip having been selected.
But on the eve of their Super 10 opener against England, Sammy could hardly have been more relaxed.
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"As a team we always have setbacks. We can use that as motivation to go out and play well. When we play well, no other team can match it... the vibes we bring," he said.
"We're ready. Come 7.30pm on Wednesday the West Indies will be ready to take on England. Every game is a new one but they've not beaten us in a World Cup (World T20) before.
"With the players we have in the dressing room, we are confident. I look at our lower order and it always makes me smile. We're all fired up. It was the same feeling when we went to Sri Lanka and won it. This is a format we're really confident in."
One player who may have proved irreplaceable for the Windies is the effervescent opener Chris Gayle.
As always he will be the prize wicket at the Wankhede Stadium, but Sammy does not believe pressure plays a part in the 36-year-old's world.
"We have one of the most destructive T20 batsman at the top in Chris, but there's never too much pressure on him," he said.
"Chris will just do what Chris has done throughout his career. Chris can turn it on whenever he feels like it."
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