Sammy vows to lead with Pride
The newly installed West Indian captain Darren Sammy has vowed to lead form the front and take bold decisions in his tenure as he attempts to rekindle the fire in what was once the greatest force in international cricket.
Sammy who took over captaincy from Chris Gayle claimed that he was willing to go all out and give more than his hundred percent on and off the field.
"I am going to be bold and frank," Sammy told media. "I will let the players know what I expect and I, myself, will set an example. I will bring out the passion, the energy, and the commitment to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 cricket," he added.
The Caribbean selectors made the announcement that they were to replace Gayle after the flamboyant opener decided that he was not going to sign the central contract offered to him by WICB as he could not commit his availability.
Gayle is one of the most sought after players in the world in the T20 format and hence does not want to limit himself to a contract with his cricket board.
He minced no words in expressing his desire to earn more via lucrative deals offered by franchises in the Indian Premier League and various clubs across the world.
The WICB declared that they needed a captain who was willing to make that commitment, and placed Sammy and the Australian-born batsman Brendan Nash in charge of the Test squad.
They are set to have a run at least till the end of the 2011 home series, ending Gayle's three-year period at the helm.
"Ever since I started my career in 2004, Chris has been the one who has made me feel comfortable. I have a good relationship with him, and with most of the players. He has said he will give me and the team his full support, which
I know he means."
Sammy feels that he does not need to justify his place for the longest format of the game as he has failed to hold onto his place regularly. He had an auspicious start to his test career when he tore through the English batting line-up
in 2007 with figures of 7 for 66 at Old Trafford.
Since then the all-rounder has struggled to live up to his performance in the opening match he has averaged a mere 19.40 with the bat and 27.74 with the ball. "I have full confidence in my ability," Sammy said. "When I have been given
the opportunity to play Test cricket, my stats show that I have done well."
Sammy also observed that he has a big cricketing legacy to follow as the West Indian teams of the past had some of the greats of the game that he would love to emulate.
At the same time he added that it was a huge challenge to follow them and to enter his name in the folklore of cricket. "I am taking on a mountain that carries so many legacies," he said, "and I will also remind the guys of the great
legacy that we carry."
The imminent challenge for him is the three test match series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 that has traditionally been a very tough venue for the team from the Caribbean.
Tags: