Daren Sammy Praises West Indies Batting Revival After Strong Test Run

West Indies coach Daren Sammy has expressed his pride in the team’s recent progress in Test Cricket, particularly the improvement shown by the batting unit during the series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Despite remaining at the bottom of the World Test Championship 2025-27 standings, West Indies have shown encouraging signs in recent matches. They have won two of their last four Tests, secured a series victory against Sri Lanka and drawn a two-match series against Pakistan 1-1.

West Indies batting shows major improvement

According to Sammy, one of the biggest positives has been the team’s ability to spend longer periods at the crease in the first innings. West Indies previously averaged only around 60 overs in their first innings, but their recent performances have seen them consistently reach the second new ball.

“Batting more [made me proud]. We were averaging, I think, about 60-something overs in the first innings of a Test match. One of our goals was to either score quicker or bat longer to give ourselves a chance in the game,” Sammy said.

West Indies have scored five centuries across their last five Tests, with Amir Jangoo’s 233 being the highest individual score during this period. The team has also crossed the 300-run mark in the first innings in each of those five matches.

600 and 499 show the scale of progress

The biggest example of the batting transformation came against Sri Lanka, when West Indies posted 626/9 declared in the first Test. They also registered totals of 499 and 311 in other matches during their recent run.

“The 300 first-inning score was something that was big on our agenda. I think we were averaging probably just over 200 in the first innings. We got 600, we got 499, you know, we got 311 on a very challenging pitch at Brian Lara Stadium,” Sammy explained.

The West Indies coach credited batting coach Floyd Reifer and the players for embracing small technical changes and working consistently on their individual games.

Sammy highlights Brandon King, Hope and Chanderpaul

Sammy specifically pointed to Brandon King’s work on his trigger movement and ability to play the ball under his eyes. He also praised Tagenarine Chanderpaul for showing greater intent at the crease.

Players including Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Kavem Hodge and John Campbell have also made valuable contributions, with centuries coming from different members of the batting lineup.

“All these little things that, you know, we put in and Floyd puts it in the batsmen and they [are] buying into it,” Sammy said.

Bowling unit gives West Indies confidence

While the batting has improved, Sammy believes the team’s bowling attack remains capable of taking 20 wickets in a Test match. Combining that bowling strength with more reliable first-innings batting has given West Indies a better chance of competing.

“Hitting those KPIs with the bowling unit that we know could get 20 wickets, I think that puts us in place to compete at Test cricket,” Sammy said.

West Indies still need to improve second innings

Sammy acknowledged that the team still has areas to address, particularly its second-innings batting. However, the consistency of the first-innings totals has helped West Indies put themselves in winning positions.

“We definitely have to work on our second innings total a little bit but because of our consistent first innings totals, it put us in positions to win games,” he added.

Bangladesh challenge awaits later this year

West Indies will have another opportunity to build on their recent improvement when they travel to Bangladesh later this year for a two-Test series.

West Indies have historically enjoyed considerable success against Bangladesh, winning six of their last eight Test series against them. However, Bangladesh drew their most recent series in 2024 and also defeated Pakistan 2-0 earlier this year.

Sammy sees the Bangladesh tour as both a challenge and an opportunity to end the year on a high. A series victory would provide further evidence that the team’s rebuilding process is moving in the right direction.

Sammy backs the long-term process

Sammy admitted that the team’s initial Test series against Australia, India and New Zealand presented major challenges. However, the coaching staff remained committed to giving new players time to develop and adapting their approach.

“I never said it was going to work instantly, but we did speak about giving the guys some time and some grace,” Sammy said.

With improved first-innings batting, a bowling attack capable of taking 20 wickets and several players making significant contributions, West Indies appear to be laying the foundations for a more competitive Test side in the future.