Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @darensammy88
Daren Sammy, West Indies’ white-ball coach, is keen on integrating top regional T20 players into the Test setup, believing their experience and exposure could add significant value to the longest format. He remains optimistic that ongoing discussions with these players are heading in a positive direction.
“Our players with the most exposure to different conditions…the most successful ones are the ones playing white-ball,” Sammy noted while speaking to journalists via Microsoft Teams on March 3. While acknowledging the achievements of Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite and his squad, Sammy pointed out the greater consistency seen in the white-ball format.
The challenge, however, lies in bridging the financial gap between lucrative franchise leagues and Test cricket. Sammy recognizes this hurdle but remains hopeful that fostering strong relationships and clear communication will help encourage T20 stars to embrace red-ball cricket.
“I think opportunities (are plentiful in white-ball cricket), (along with) financial reward. Probably those who used to play before and were out of Test selection for a couple of years still don’t understand the conversations that were had or the lack thereof when they were not playing,” he explained.
Players like Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, and Shai Hope have thrived in franchise cricket. While Hetmyer and Hope have Test experience, they have not featured in the format in recent years. Sammy emphasized that his goal is not to transform the Test team into a white-ball squad but to introduce players who can complement the style of play he envisions.
“A batsman’s job is to score runs in different conditions,” he said. “I am not just going to change the Test team into a white-ball team, that is not what I am about, but I see players who are consistent in our white-ball squads that can add value to the style and the brand (of the Test team) that me, as the head coach, wants to instil in our cricket.”
He cited international examples such as Virender Sehwag and David Warner, who successfully adapted their attacking white-ball approach to Test cricket. Both players maintained high averages—Warner at 44.59 and Sehwag at 49.34—proving that an aggressive style can be productive in red-ball cricket.
Despite the financial incentives of franchise leagues, Sammy believes respect, trust, and a clear vision will help attract players back to Tests. He has been actively discussing this transition with Cricket West Indies director of cricket, Miles Bascombe, to find ways to ensure players can excel in both formats.
“I think we are making a step in the right direction,” Sammy concluded.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Stay ahead of the latest cricket industry trends by subscribing to our free cricexec “daily briefing” newsletter.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
