West Indian captain Darren Sammy was surprised that India shut the shop early and did not go full throttle for the victory in the final Test of the three-match series here.
West Indian captain Darren Sammy was surprised that India shut the shop early and did not go full throttle for the victory in the final Test of the three-match series here.
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India required 86 runs from the final 15 overs but settled for a draw, ending their second innings at 94 for three while chasing 180 runs.
"With the caliber of players in their ranks, men like Dhoni and Kohli and just under 84 to get from 15 overs left, I was kind of surprised. It could be that they didn't want to chance their arms against Bishoo," stated a satisfied West Indian captain after his team ensured a draw.
Sammy was pleased with his side's batting, which came good at Windsor Park in the second innings.
"Batters came good in the very last innings. Having watched the way bowlers went about their task, being a bowler short, kind of motivated the batters to go out and give their best. "Everyone played a part even Fidel played over 100 balls. We fought right through this Test, whether batting or bowling," stated Sammy.
West Indies, resuming the day at 224 for 6, batted for 48-odd overs on the final day, helped largely by the pair of Shivnarine Chanderpaul (116) and Edwards (30) who put on 65 runs for the ninth wicket from 37 overs.
"I am very happy with the result. We showed a lot of character, we stuck at it. Kirk Edwards and Chanderpaul did very well for the team."
Looking back, Sammy lamented the first day of the Jamaica Test where they allowed the Indians to get away from a position of 85 for 6.
"If we had bowled a little better in Jamaica when they were 85 for 6 or scored more runs than India in the first two Tests, the result could have been different for us."
Sammy blamed himself rather than extraneous circumstances for his successive failures with the bat.
"I know I have to put runs on the board. Not only for self, it would have helped the cause of the team. In fact, I will take the blame for the batsmen. Dessie (Desmond Haynes, batting coach) tells me I could improve. I tried the things he told me in the middle, like my backlift and problem in playing across the line of the ball. "I'm aware of the areas where I need to work and I will go back home and do just that. I know my role in the team. In bowling, I have to put it there all the time. That's what I go about doing. I pick up wickets which is very good for the team. I will continue to do it."
West Indies now play international cricket after three months when they come to the Indian sub-continent for series against Bangladesh and India.
"We play Bangladesh and then India again. It's three months gap but I expect the boys to keep up with their fitness. It will help us keep improving."
The inevitable question of Chris Gayle cropped up again.
"It's not in my hands. The board and Gayle need to sort it out. West Indies cricket is not about Darren Sammy. I will be quite happy to play just a player, if that's what I am asked to do. Whatever job I'm assigned, I will do it."
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