Kudos to the bowlers for sticking to the plans: Sammy

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West Indies skipper Darren Sammy was pleased with his bowlers’ efforts despite conceding a 104-run lead to India on the third day of the third and final cricket Test here.

West Indies, without the services of one of their strike bowlers, Ravi Rampaul, toiled hard for the six Indian wickets on a day when the sun was out in its full glory.

“It was a tough day but we stayed focused and never let our heads drop. We were a bowler short from the start as we knew we would not have the services of Rampaul who has been one of our best bowlers and chief wicket-takers this season,” said Sammy.

With just three bowlers operating, on an energy-sapping day, Sammy led the spirited effort with two for 48 from 26 overs, while Fidel Edwards managed two for 80.

Leg-spinners Devendra Bishoo and Shivnarine Chanderpaul too managed a wicket each.

“It gives me great heart to see the way the entire team fought out there — bowlers sending down 20-plus overs — and the way we kept believing. To get six wickets on a good batting pitch with a bowler down is quite commendable” Sammy said.

Sammy added that everyone “felt the heat” but will be ready to battle when play resumes on the penultimate day.

“We have a very good physio in CJ Clark, he knows what to do to get the bowlers ready. Tomorrow we will be fresh again.”

Coming back to the third day’s play, Sammy said, “It was very hot but we never gave in.

“The belief in the bowling unit is quite high. We said once we put the ball in the right areas we could bowl them out. Kudos to the bowlers for sticking to the plans and putting in all those overs in such trying conditions.”

One of West Indies heroes on the day was Carlton Baughwho brought about two smart dismissals.

He first caught Virat Kohli on the leg-side and then stumped VVS Laxman off Chanderpaul's bowling.

On Thursday, he had top scored with 60 runs.

“Since he came back into the team last year in Sri Lanka, Carlton has been doing a great job for us. He has 11 first-class hundreds, so everyone knows what he can do with the bat and he’s really starting to show it,” Sammy said.

“His keeping cannot be faulted and the more games he plays the better he is doing. Everyone can take a page from his book because he keeps showing us it can be done.”