BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Head coach Darren Sammy said West Indies were fully aware of the importance of Saturday’s series decider at storied Kensington Oval and were “in a good space” as they chased their first series win over England in 16 years.
West Indies overhauled a record 326 to win the first One-Day International by four wickets in Antigua last Sunday. Still, it turned into an underwhelming performance to lose the second four days later by six wickets at the same venue.
On arrival here Thursday, Sammy said the win in the opening ODI had left West Indies confident they could get over the line in Saturday’s crucial fixture.
“I believe we have prepared well, and I’m pleased with the preparation that we put in and the work that the guys put in,” Sammy told reporters on the tarmac of the Grantley Adams International Airport.
“Now once that bell rings, all the things we speak about – the plans that we put together – it’s up to us now as a group or the XI that goes out there, to go out and execute [them].
“We showed that we could do it in the first game, and I have full confidence that the guys could go out and do it.”
He continued: “They know what’s at stake – everybody knows what’s at stake. To still be in a position where we could win [the series], that’s the mentality I’m trying to bring to this group.
“We don’t want to compete. We want to win games and ensure the wins are closer together, and hopefully, come [Saturday], we can do that against England.”
Last Sunday’s win was only West Indies’ fourth against England in their previous 20 bilateral meetings, the successful run chase marking their highest in the Caribbean and second-highest overall.
In the last ODI between the two teams at Kensington Oval four years ago, West Indies came away with a crucial victory in a five-match series, ending in a 2-2 tie.
Sammy said he hoped the mystique of the venue could be an added motivation for his side.
“It’s important for both teams. We started really in Antigua; [I was] slightly disappointed with the performance in the second ODI, but coming to Barbados with all to play for, it plays out for competitive and interesting cricket,” Sammy said.
“My men, the efforts we put in in the camp leading towards [this] series, we’re in a good space right now, and we’re looking forward to the game on [Saturday].”
He added: “All the guys look forward to playing at Kensington Oval. I’m pretty sure it’s the same for the Englishmen as well.
“The captain, Shai Hope, loves batting in Barbados and just the atmosphere and the history that ground brings. Hopefully, that could motivate our boys in the series decider, and we come up with the goods to help us win.”
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