West Indies head coach Daren Sammy is expecting a stern examination in Bangladesh but believes his side’s recent preparations in India have equipped them to compete for a series victory in the upcoming two-Test contest.
The series, part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, begins at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on October 28. The second Test is scheduled to start in Sylhet on November 5.
Sammy, who arrived in Dhaka on Sunday, acknowledged the challenge of playing Bangladesh at home but said the visitors were ready to fight for their goal.
“Obviously, Bangladesh at home will always be a challenge, but one that my team is ready for, especially coming from India, the preparation that we’ve put in. We’ll have to play some really good cricket to achieve our goal, which is to win,” Sammy told T Sports on Tuesday.
West Indies come into the series after their tour of India, and Sammy will be hoping his players can carry the benefits of that preparation into the Bangladesh Tests.
The former West Indies captain, who led the team to two T20 World Cup titles, also spoke about the principles guiding him as head coach, highlighting passion, honesty and belief in the team’s long-term plans.
“I think I’m quite genuine. I have a lot of passion towards what I do, my teammates, my players and staff. My heart wants West Indies to do well, and I turn up every day to put in an honest day’s work,” he said.
Sammy said he remained committed to the vision shared by Cricket West Indies and the coaching staff, adding that trust in the process was central to their efforts to improve the team.
“I want us to do well. I trust the process, I understand the vision that Cricket West Indies and myself have for this team, and we will trust the process in taking us there. That’s why I come to work every day with a smile, but also putting in an honest day’s work with my team and my players,” he said.
