Sammy urges West Indies to finish Test Championship cycle strongly in Bangladesh
The head coach says a top-five finish would bring extra incentives and help West Indies cricket attract sponsors.
DHAKA, Bangladesh. West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has urged his players to finish strongly in their two-Test series against Bangladesh as they look to climb from eighth place in the 2025-27 World Test Championship.
"These next two Test matches present us with a great opportunity to finish the Test Championship with the goal we started in 2025," Sammy said. "As usual, respect the opposition, study them, come up with plans that could help us be victorious."
Despite a difficult campaign, Sammy pointed to the recent series win over Sri Lanka and draw against Pakistan as signs of progress.
Eye on sponsors
He said strong results would help West Indies cricket commercially, noting the prize money on offer for a top-five finish.
"What I've challenged the guys to do is to put ourselves in a better position to negotiate and attract sponsors by the performances we put on the field."
Sammy said the team was focused on executing its plans rather than on financial rewards. "Ten days of Test cricket left in this cycle for us. Just go out and give it your all," he said.
Squad changes
The West Indies are without Shai Hope, who is being rested, and Alzarri Joseph, who is being managed. Shamar Springer replaces Keemo Paul, and Kevin Wickham has received his first Test call-up.
Sammy said Hope's absence was an opportunity for another player to establish himself, and expressed confidence in Shamar Joseph's readiness.
The side prepared with a drawn warm-up match against a Bangladesh XI. Sammy acknowledged the hosts' strength at home and stressed the importance of early momentum.
"The way both teams have played this year, it's going to be a keenly contested series," he said. "In the end, whoever holds the momentum more in their favour, normally wins."
