West Indies white-ball head coach Darren Sammy has said that the series against Pakistan presents a great opportunity for the team to improve its position in the World Test Championship and build new momentum.
According to Darren Sammy, the long-term development of the team remains the top priority, and they will not be satisfied with the success of just one series. He said the team is fully aware of its direction and does not pay attention to external criticism.
He added that Sir Garfield Sobers made unparalleled contributions to Test cricket, and the West Indies team will pay tribute to him following his death during the first Test against Pakistan, according to media reports.
Darren Sammy said the team will aim to deliver a performance in the series against Pakistan that would make Sir Garfield Sobers proud.
Sammy clarifies Alzarri Joseph opted out of Pakistan test series
On the other hand, the West Indies have suffered a major setback ahead of their two-Test series against Pakistan after star fast bowler Alzarri Joseph made himself unavailable despite being selected in the squad.
According to reports, Cricket West Indies had announced the squad and stated that Joseph was unavailable due to personal reasons. However, head coach Darren Sammy later clarified that it was Joseph himself who chose not to accept the selection.
Sammy said Joseph had recently returned from injury and was included in the squad, but later withdrew from the series for reasons that have not been disclosed.
The West Indies coach added that the matter was beyond his authority and that Cricket West Indies officials would decide how to proceed.
In Joseph’s absence, the West Indies pace attack for the Pakistan series will be led by Kemar Roach, Jaden Seales, Justin Greaves and Keemo Paul, while the spin department will feature Jomel Warrican, Joshua Bishop and captain Roston Chase.
The first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies will begin on Saturday, while the second Test is scheduled to start on August 2 in Port of Spain.
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