Kingston, Jamaica - Oct. 21, 2010 -- New Test captain Darren Sammy said that
he wants to lift the energy level and bring more passion to the West
Indies team.
“One thing I know for sure is I want to
bring lots of energy. I don’t think I could be on a cricket field,
despite what’s happening, and not show that fighting spirit and that
passion,” Sammy said at his first media conference as West Indies
captain.
He identified livewire all rounder Dwayne Bravo as one
player who he can call upon to help in infecting the team with positive
energy.
“One of the guys who has a lot of energy is (Dwayne)
Bravo so I have to bring him with me and all the other guys in order
for us to reach at our goal,” Sammy outlined at the media conference in
Kingston Jamaica.
When asked about that goal captain Sammy said
his biggest challenge would be meeting the high expectations of the
West Indian public but called for patience during a period of
rebuilding.
“My biggest challenge would be to get the team to
bring the results the West Indies people want. It is going to take
time, we will not get the results right away, everything takes time,”
said the 26 year old all rounder who takes over the captaincy from
Jamaican Chris Gayle.
Sammy was put on the spot by one
journalist who asked whether, in working to achieve the results he
outlined, whether Sammy believes he will gain the full support of the
senior players in the squad selected to tour Sri Lanka starting in
November.
“Chris (Gayle) has publicly said that he would support
me and the team and that in any way possible he will help so I have
full confidence that the senior players will do what they have to do,”
Sammy responded.
“Any cricketer who is committed to West Indies
cricket will go out there and give the best for the team and support
whoever is in charge. My relationship with all the players over the
years has been good and I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t
continue,” commented Sammy during the media conference which was video
and audio streamed live on WindiesCricket.com.
And asked about
the much-talked-about non-selection of Ramnaresh Sarwan, Sammy said
that he is certain the veteran Guyanese right handed batsman will
bounce back and that he is looking forward to welcoming Sarwan back
with open arms.
“The Selectors took a decision and I trust the
judgment of the selectors but I know the character that Sarwan is and I
have no doubt he will be back. He has bounced back in the past after
injury and I have full confidence that Sarwan will be back and I will
embrace him and the team will embrace him with open arms,” declared
Sammy who has represented the West Indies in eight Tests and 62 Limited
Overs matches.
Sammy agreed that the job of West Indies captain
will be his toughest assignment which will test his resolve and
character but said he will seek spiritual strength from the Lord and
cricketing advice from legendary West Indies captains.
“As a man
from a Christian background my mom always told me that the Almighty
never puts His children in positions that He knows that they can’t
handle. I have given this captaincy over to the hands of the Lord and
with Him in charge everything is possible,” said Sammy who is recently
married.
“(In terms of cricket) I will seek advice from our past
successful captains – Clive Lloyd and Sir Vivian Richards,” Sammy
revealed.
Sammy, the first St Lucian to play for the West Indies
and the first Windward Islander to be appointed captain said that he
had never envisioned being West Indies captain in his formative years.
“Growing
up I dreamt of being a consistent West Indies cricketer but never did I
dream of being captain. I was honoured to be even thought of as West
Indies captain. It is a massive honour for me and I vow to take this
position and go on to serve the West Indies people with pride and
dignity,” Sammy assured.