Following a dominant eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh inside four days in the opening Test in Dhaka, West Indies head coach Darren Sammy has called on his side to maintain their relentless intensity for the upcoming second Test in Sylhet.
Speaking during the inter-match interval, the former Caribbean skipper emphasized that the visitors are determined to end their World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on a high note by securing an away series win.
"I want to see the same mindset, perhaps even with a bit more hunger," Sammy said. "Our captain (Roston Chase) laid down the challenge the moment we arrived here. Finishing the year on a high note is extremely vital for us."
WTC Standings and Longing for a Series Victory
West Indies have recorded three Test wins in the ongoing WTC cycle, having registered solitary match victories in their preceding series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. However, a series triumph has eluded them—a narrative Sammy intends to rewrite on Bangladeshi soil.
Despite his confidence, Sammy acknowledged the tactical threat posed by Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons, a former West Indies mentor himself.
"One thing I know about Phil is that he won’t make it easy for us. He wants to win as well, and Bangladesh has their own WTC goals. But looking at our boys—their hunger, commitment, work ethic, and attention to detail—I am confident we can handle whatever conditions Sylhet presents. We are fully prepared to wrap up this Test cycle with an away series win, even though beating Bangladesh at home is never easy," Sammy observed.
Acknowledging Bangladesh's Form and Chennai Prep
Sammy highlighted the credibility of the opposition, acknowledging Bangladesh's strong WTC standing following their historic Test victory against Australia prior to this series.
"Before this series, Bangladesh beat Australia and was sitting fourth in the WTC standings. We fully understood the stakes. We set clear targets in Barbados before this WTC cycle began, and we are eager to achieve them," Sammy stated.
Attributing their Dhaka success to a dedicated pre-tour camp in Chennai, India, Sammy praised how his squad executed spin-bowling tactics on a turning track.
"Our spinners outperformed theirs, and our batters negotiated spin far better than expected. Brandon King’s unbeaten 81 in the fourth innings was a standout performance. These tactical aspects pleased me immensely," the West Indies head coach concluded.
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