Sammy Hails West Indies' Test Progress Despite Mixed Results

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy believes his team's recent improvement with the bat is a significant step forward as they continue rebuilding their Test side, despite remaining at the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings.

The Caribbean side has enjoyed a more encouraging run in recent weeks, playing four Test matches in just over a month. During that period, West Indies won two Tests, lost one, and drew a series against Pakistan after securing a series victory over Sri Lanka.

While the results have been mixed, Sammy said the team's batting performances have shown clear signs of progress.

"Our goal was either to score quicker or bat longer to give ourselves a chance in Test matches," Sammy said after the second Test against Pakistan in Port of Spain. "We wanted to bat at least 90 overs in the first innings instead of averaging around 60 overs, and we've managed to achieve that."

According to Sammy, West Indies have consistently batted long enough to face the second new ball in the first innings across their last five Test matches—an important milestone for a side that has struggled with batting consistency in recent years.

The batting unit has also delivered impressive scores during this period. West Indies have crossed the 300-run mark in the first innings of each of their last five Tests, highlighted by a massive 626 for 9 declared against Sri Lanka. They also posted 499 in another innings and compiled a match-winning 311 on a challenging pitch against Pakistan.

The team's resurgence has been driven by contributions from several batters. Amir Jangoo produced a career-best 233, while multiple players have registered centuries over the last five Tests.

Sammy credited batting coach Floyd Reifer for the improvements, praising the players' commitment to technical adjustments and disciplined preparation.

He highlighted Brandon King's work on his trigger movement and shot selection, while noting Tagenarine Chanderpaul's increased intent at the crease. Sammy also praised contributions from Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, captain Roston Chase, Kavem Hodge and John Campbell, saying the spread of performances reflects the progress being made within the batting group.

"These are small steps, but they're important," Sammy said. "The players have bought into the process, and that's making a difference."

The head coach also expressed satisfaction with the bowling unit, which has consistently taken 20 wickets in matches, giving the team opportunities to compete for victories.

Although West Indies remain at the foot of the current WTC standings after a difficult start against Australia, India and New Zealand, Sammy believes the recent home season demonstrates that the team is moving in the right direction.

"We trusted the process and knew improvement would come with time," he said. "Against Pakistan, even after drawing the series, the players were disappointed because they knew we could have achieved more. That shows the standards we're setting for ourselves."

Sammy admitted that second-innings batting remains an area requiring improvement but said stronger first-innings totals have already placed the team in winning positions more consistently.

West Indies will next travel to Bangladesh later this year for a two-Test series, where they hope to continue their upward trajectory. Although Bangladesh recently swept Pakistan 2-0 and drew their previous series against West Indies in 2024, Sammy remains optimistic.

"If we can go to Bangladesh and win that series, it would be the icing on the cake," he said. "We're building something new, and we always knew it wouldn't happen overnight. We've given these players time and confidence, and now we're beginning to see the results."

With improved batting, a reliable bowling attack and growing belief within the squad, West Indies will look to carry their recent momentum into the challenging tour of Bangladesh as they continue their long-term Test rebuild.