Captain Sammy relieved by Windies recovery

The touring Test cricket team score 315 runs before bowling out UAE for 70 in a one-day match during their tune-up for the Bangladesh tour.

Marlon Samuels delighted the West Indies camp by scoring a fifty and taking three wickets against the UAE in Dubai on Saturday.
Powered by automated translation

DUBAI // After a disappointing performance last week, Darren Sammy, the West Indies cricket captain, was happy to see signs of improvement in his side during their friendly match against the UAE on Saturday.

The tourists were bowled out for 315 with a delivery left in the 50-over-a-side game and hit back to skittle out the UAE for 70 in 38.1 overs at the ICC Global Academy grounds.

It was a marked improvement on their dire performance against a West Indies development team in the opening practice game in Dubai when they were shot out for 79 on Thursday.

"It was important we played at our best against the best team here," said Sammy, who was quick to point out his side's more professional approach to their game against the UAE.

"There were no excuses the way we batted in that game [against the development team]. We were not focused and we paid the price. Today we played like the professionals we are and I am sure we can take a lot of positives from this game."

West Indies are in Dubai with their development team for a conditioning camp. Sammy's squad will leave on Tuesday to Bangladesh for two Tests, three one-day internationals and one Twenty20 match from October 11 to November 2.

"It was good to see the guys go out there and put up a good show," said Sammy, who hit 51 from 49 deliveries. "We came from England after winning a Twenty20 game. Dubai was selected because the facilities here are excellent. We came here to sharpen our tools and be ready for the Bangladesh tour.

"First of all, we worked on the spin-bowling machines to prepare ourselves to play spin in the Bangladesh. The wickets and the weather conditions are also quite similar. As far as match situations were concerned we also got to see a few of our youngsters bat and bowl well in this game."

Devon Thomas, 21, made a top score of 88 in 77 balls and shared a 138-run stand for the third wicket with Marlon Samuels, who chipped in a useful 53 from 69 balls. Christopher Barnwell then smashed 54 from 21 balls.

Amjad Javed, the opening bowler, was the pick of the UAE's attack. He returned with figures of three for 30 from 7.5 overs.

Kemar Roach grabbed the first three wickets to fall in the UAE inning to return with three for 13, while Davendra Bishoo and Samuels took three wickets each to complete the rout.

"It is good to see Marlon get some runs and myself, too," Sammy said. "Devon and Chris batted really well. Roach bowled well in the right areas and Bishoo bowled well, too. It was a good collective effort and I am glad of the day's work."

The West Indies play Afghanistan on Sunday and leave on Monday. The rest of the squad from Trinidad will join them in Bangladesh.

Kabir Khan, the UAE coach, said he did not expect his side to emerge victorious but was happy with the team's workout ahead of their ICC International Cup match against Afghanistan starting on Wednesday.

"The experience was enough for my players," he said. "We didn't come here to win but just bat as long as possible and to soak in the experience. It was our final game before we play a four-day format. But it was a good opportunity for the boys to play against a fully professional side."

The UAE face Afghanistan at the Sharjah Stadium from Wednesday to Saturday.

Follow

The National Sport

on

& Amith Pasella on