If batsmen can’t score, get Sobers, fumes Sammy

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The very mention of Chris Gayle irritated a normally soft-spoken West Indies skipper Darren Sammy who couldn't hide being sarcastic when asked whether he is missing the prolific opener considering the state of his batting line-up.

“That our batsmen haven’t been able to seize moments has been happening for 10 years. May be the best thing for us is to bring back Gary Sobers, Viv Richards, Clyde Walcott, all of them!” The sarcasm in Sammy’s voice didn’t escape the notice of those who attended the post-match press conference.

Ask him about the recipe for success, he answered, “We know we are capable of getting 20 wickets. It’s just one area where we need to get clicking. Once we can put good first innings total, and I don’t drop Dravid or anybody again, we should not be under pressure to win a match.”

Sammy however is hopeful of levelling the series when the two teams square up in Barbados for the second Test match starting from June 27.

“The way the bowlers have bowled, getting India out within 250 in both innings, we stand a good chance of leveling the series provided we bat well,” the skipper said.

“I don’t think there is much difference between the two sides. It’s been a case throughout the home series for us. The games have been coming down fairly close. There is not much difference between the two sides — we need to capitalize on key moments.”

Sammy went on to add that West Indies cricket needs guys like Rahul Dravid and Harbhajan Singh who can take charge at key moments.

“For instance, the way Dravid and Harbhajan played. They took charge of the situation. We need more guys to take charge; do whatever it takes for the team.”

The captain wants selfless attitude from the boys where the endeavour would be to put the team ahead of the individual goal.

“As long as people take on the responsibility of putting the team first, we will be in a better position. The batsmen look good in the nets. In the end, you don’t score runs in the nets. You have to go out in the middle and do what’s necessary for the team,” he was forthright in his assessment.

Sammy, however, claimed his batsmen played Indian spinners better than they did against Pakistan.

“I felt we played the spinners better than we did in the Pakistan series.”

The lanky paceman had great words of praise for young leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo who picked up seven wickets for 140 runs against the Indians from the match.

“He got Mahendra Singh Dhoni in both the innings. Actually it’s three in three for he had also claimed him in the World Cup. He has been a shining star for us since his debut. He keeps improving every day. He got the results. He troubled the batsmen. He got the ball to turn and bounce.”