Roseau, Dominica – The stage is set for the first Test match on the island of Dominica. West Indies captain Darren Sammy said his team is excited by the prospect as they face India in the Third and final Digicel Test at Windsor Park – the newest Test venue on the world stage.
First ball is 10 am (9 am Jamaica Time).
The Windies had a full training session on Tuesday morning and Sammy outlined the team’s plans for the match. This is a must-win if they are to have a share in the series, as they trail India 0-1 – following the visitors’ 63-run win in the First Digicel Test at Sabina Park, Jamaica and the drawn contest at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
"We need to win. We will look at all our options and come up with the combinations to go out and fight to win the Test match. It will be an all out effort from everyone in the team… a total team effort. From one to 11, everyone has to do the job for the team.
"Looking at the pitch, you can see there is some moisture and that should help the faster bowlers early on. Normally from playing here, it turns later on in the match, so both the pacers and spinners can expect some help," Sammy said.
"I’m excited, the whole team is excited. Dominica is like a home away from home for me. I played here quite a few times for St Lucia as well as the Windward Islands and I always get a lot of support here from the lovely people of this country. They love cricket and I know they will give us their full backing.
"I know the people will come and ‘lively up’ the place. This is the first Test match for the country and it promises to be a wonderful occasion as the cricket played here will be seen worldwide and it will be great exposure for the nation as well. It would be great to come out on the winning side at the end of the Test."
In both matches so far West Indies bowlers have been the star performers for the team. Sammy was again full of praise for opener pair Ravi Rampaul and Fidel Edwards.
"It is very good to see the way Fidel has made a comeback. He got eight in the last match and in his career he has taken nine five-fors, so he’s a wicket-taker and he has fitted in very well," Sammy said.
He added: "Ravi has done well for us all season and he’s full of confidence. He has been the go-to man with the new ball and has always given us the early wickets to set the opposition back. He’s a very good team player and I’m sure he will get more success here."
Windies Squad for Third Digicel Test
Darren Sammy – Captain
Adrian Barath
Carlton Baugh
Devendra Bishoo
Darren Bravo
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Fidel Edwards
Kirk Edwards
Kieran Powell
Ravi Rampaul
Kemar Roach
Marlon Samuels
Lendl Simmons