Sammy hoping to build momentum ahead of the World Cup

Head coach Darren Sammy says execution will be key as West Indies gear up for the three-match T20 series against Afghanistan in Dubai. 

The series has taken on added significance, as it serves as one of the final dress rehearsals ahead of the T20 World Cup next month. The first game is set for Monday and speaking ahead of tomorrow’s first training session, Sammy says it’s a great opportunity for the younger players in particular. 

Fifteen of the 16 players are now in Dubai, with Johnson Charles set to arrive tomorrow.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for guys, some of the young players that we have here, some fringe players, to start building for the future and also those who are here that will be in the World Cup squad, it’s good preparation especially against Afghanistan, who are a very strong team in conditions similar to India,” Sammy said.

West Indies are yet to name their World Cup squad and Sammy is looking forward to starting the year and hopefully gathering some momentum, even though several key players are missing from the squad.

“Yeah, I think the key for us is role execution, especially focusing on the guys who probably would be in the World Cup squad, making sure they fine-tune their roles. 

We’ve been trying to do that over the last two years-to define or solidify the roles heading into the World Cup.

 

“Some of the players we have had grabbed onto the roles, some of the players need to fine tune that, but that is what these games bring. Obviously the main objective is to win but for me and the group, it’s to more define and solidify the roles heading into the World Cup,” Sammy further explained.

According to Sammy, Afghanistan is expected to provide formidable opposition and will not be taken for granted. He’s also looking forward to working with attacking batsman Quintin Sampson, who was the rising star of last year’s Caribbean Premier League.

“You know what he did for Guyana,  he’s definitely one for the future and I would love to see what he has in store at the international level. I’m pretty sure Floyd and the team will guide him and integrate him very well into the setup, so like I said, a lot to look forward to for me as a coach integrating youngsters into the team,” Sammy said.