Darren Sammy appointed as http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758
Darren Sammy has been named as the new captain of West Indies cricket team for the side’s assignments ahead of the 2011 World Cup. Sammy will take on the captaincy role from Jamaican Chris Gayle, who has captained the side for almost three years. Brendan
Nash has been appointed as Sammy’s deputy.
The newly appointed skipper has a task of rebuilding the fortunes of trembling West Indies side and the West Indies Cricket Board has got high hopes attached with him. The going captain had taken over the West Indies team back in 2007 and the side slipped
to seventh spot on the Test rankings table while eighth in the ODI standings. The downfall prompted the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) change the leadership. The chief executive officer of WICB, Ernest Hilaire, thanked Gayle for his services for the side
as captain during a challenging period.
"Chris Gayle led the West Indies during a challenging period and the board thanks him for stepping up then," said Ernest Hilaire in a statement. "But it is now time to pass the mantle on as the West Indies rebuilds."
Darren Sammy, 26, has played eight Tests and will be looking forward to repeat the sweet memories of 1980s when the West Indians had won 11 Test matches in a row. Having played 43 One Day Internationals, the only appointed skipper will hope to help his side
recapture the form that brought them two World Champ titles, in 1975 and 1979.
Sammy said that leading West Indies side is an honour and distinction which he will treat with the highest regard and dignity.
The first task for the West Indian pacer would be to lead the side during a one and a half month long tour to Sri Lanka that starts from mid November. "I have always given my all when I prepare and play for the West Indies and nothing will change now. I
know this will be a difficult challenge and I will take the torch from Chris and hold it high as we forge ahead."
The chairman selection committee Clyde Butts added: "We are at the dawn of a new era in West Indies cricket and we have entrusted the challenging job of captaincy to Darren Sammy because it is believed that he has demonstrated the attributes of a leader
of this diverse group of men."
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