As the West Indies prepare to face England in a pivotal ODI series, Head Coach Daren Sammy is refusing to let grey skies dampen his ambitions. With limited time outdoors due to persistent rain in Birmingham, Sammy is steering the Caribbean side into what he describes as “a new chapter” — one defined by intent, growth, and belief in long-term goals.
The series, starting Thursday at Edgbaston, is more than just a contest against an old rival. For Sammy, it represents a stepping stone towards a more stable and competitive ODI unit capable of securing a seat at cricket’s biggest table — the 2027 World Cup.
“Conditions might not be ideal, but the mindset is what really matters,” Sammy told reporters. “We know what’s at stake. Each match is another opportunity to close the gap and cement our place among the top contenders.”
Ranked just behind England in the current standings, West Indies still have ground to cover for automatic World Cup qualification. But Sammy is not fazed. Instead, he’s fixated on the foundation being laid — a foundation built on accountability, competition for spots, and young talent taking centre stage.
One such talent is Keacy Carty, whose emergence in the middle order has become a symbol of the team’s evolving identity. Sammy pointed to Carty as evidence that the right investment in players can yield results sooner than expected.
“You want to see players take ownership of their roles — and Keacy’s done that,” Sammy said. “We didn’t anticipate this kind of return so quickly, but he’s shown that when opportunity meets preparation, anything’s possible.”
The coach also underscored the resurgence in West Indies’ pace department, led by the promising Jayden Seales. With Seales making early inroads with the new ball, the team has found a weapon capable of challenging top-order batters, especially in overseas conditions.
“We’re starting to find balance in the squad,” said Sammy. “Jayden’s spells have been electric. And the competition for places is raising the standard across the board.”
Still, Sammy acknowledges there’s unfinished business — particularly in replicating their home dominance on foreign soil.
“Our performances abroad haven’t always reflected our potential,” he admitted. “But we’re narrowing that gap. We showed it in Ireland, and we’re looking to build on that here.”
As weather forecasts continue to loom large over the Edgbaston fixture, Sammy remains grounded but optimistic. His focus: adaptability, preparation, and mindset — elements he believes will define whether this West Indies side can finally turn the corner.
“If the rain holds off, we’ll be ready,” he said, “and even if it doesn’t, our mission stays the same: play smart cricket, play for each other, and keep moving forward.”
