DUBLIN, Ireland:
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy has strongly criticized his team’s lackluster performance following a 124-run defeat to Ireland in the first One-Day International at Castle Avenue. The West Indies were bowled out for just 179 in pursuit of Ireland’s 303-6, with Sammy pointing to a disappointing display from his players, especially in their batting.
Sammy expressed his frustration at the team’s timid body language and their inability to adapt during the game. He remarked, “I thought we were quite timid, both with the ball and bat. Our body language didn’t look confident.” He reiterated that facing challenging situations is a part of cricket and urged his team to respond with belief, emphasizing that they possess the talent to perform at a high level.
Ireland’s innings was highlighted by a stellar 112 from Andy Balbirnie and contributions from Harry Tector and Paul Stirling, which put the West Indies bowlers under significant pressure. Sammy lamented his team’s failure to execute their bowling plans effectively, particularly failing to utilize the new ball and allowing the opposition to capitalize on their opportunities.
The West Indies’ batting response faltered early, reaching a dire 31-5, with Roston Chase and debutant Matthew Forde managing to create a brief partnership. Sammy expressed disappointment with his batsmen’s mindset, indicating that they seemed to be in a “survival mode” instead of playing aggressively. He emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on opponents and rotating the strike.
With two more matches left in the series, Sammy called for significant improvements before the next encounter on Friday. He concluded by highlighting the need for the team to perform better in both innings, stating, “There’s a lot to work on before the next game.”
This match serves as a pivotal moment for the West Indies, offering a chance for redemption and growth as they look to bounce back in the series.