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"Cancer in the system": Daren Sammy reflects on West Indies' decline in Test cricket

Shreyasi

Sammy reflects on WI Test decline [Source: AFP Photo] Sammy reflects on WI Test decline [Source: AFP Photo]

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy addressed the decline of West Indies Test cricket and said it has been a continuous process for long. He spoke about the differences in the different teams of world cricket and said the root of the problem is like ‘a cancer that’s already in the system’.

Sammy addresses the ‘root of the problem’ causing the decline of West Indies Test cricket

West Indies are currently in the middle of a two-match Test series against India, first of which they have already lost by an innings and 140 runs. However, this was not a surprising result to most after the kind of Test performances West Indies have produced over the years. For fans and experts who experienced the glorious days of West Indies cricket, it has been heartbreaking. Speaking of the same, West Indies coach Daren Sammy expressed his disappoints too.

“I know now I’m under the microscope. I’m in the middle, and we’re open to criticism, to be criticized by everybody. But the root of the problem didn’t start two years ago. It’s something that started way back. It’s like a cancer that’s already in the system. If you don’t get cancer, you know what happens. And, again, it’s breast cancer month. So, it’s a good way to put it. That our problems don’t lie on the surface. It’s rooted deep into our system.”

Daren Sammy opined that the inability to match the kind of facilities other teams, franchise receive has been an issue. The two-time World Cup winning captain explained how Test cricket amidst the growth of T20 cricket has suffered from lack of infrastructure.

“We could only work with what we have and who’s willing. The inability to match some of the franchises across the world has been an issue. But what I always tell these guys, if we complain about not having the best facilities, not having enough manpower like the other teams, not having the best technology, all these things which the other teams are superior to us, it’s no secret.”

The difference in the different teams : West Indies head coach explains

Speaking to PTI , Sammy also mentioned that West Indies failed to capitalize on the opportunities they had during their years of dominance. He recalled how West Indies won a Test in India 42 years ago.

“We’re playing five Test matches, four months in one place. Entertaining the world where other boards benefited. We are in need of those financial resources to help us grow and move forward.”

While speaking about the root of the problem, Sammy elaborated the kind of differences the teams face in international cricket that eventually impact the performance.

“The difference in the different teams, the top 3-4 teams in the world versus the bottom four. We’ve been struggling for finance for a long time.”

West Indies will take on India for the second and final Test of the ongoing series. The hosts are already leading the series 1-0 as the visitors are hoping for an impactful comeback in Delhi.