Thaindian News

Kingston (Jamaica), June 24 (IANS) West Indies captain Darren Sammy feels their batsmen have to take more responsibility and not throw away their wickets like they did in their 63-run loss to India in the first cricket Test that concluded here Thursday.

“The batting unit know that we have been way behind the eight-ball … I still believe the guys are trying their best. It’s about being more mentally focussed when you are out there in the middle and doing whatever it takes to put your team in good position. Like how (Rahul) Dravid played and Harbhajan (Singh) came and played the situation of the game, taking charge of the situation. We need more guys to take on that responsibility,” he said.

Sammy lamented that his side couldn’t restrict India to a low total in the first innings despite having them at a paltry 80 for six at one stage.

“It’s about us wining the key moments. Having them 80-odd for six we should have bowled better. Then we had the chance to bat well but we were behind them by 70-odd runs. There is not much between the teams but it’s a matter of winning the key moments,” he said.

The skipper wanted his team to have a positive outlook in the remaining two Tests.

“Well, we have still to be positive. This is a three-Test series. We have to pick ourselves up … The way the bowlers have bowled If we can put up a good score or chase well we stand a good chance to come back and level the series. The games come down close. The thing for me as a professional is that you get out there and try to do well. For us, as batting unit, most times it has not come off well,” he said.

Sammy was also bombarded with questions on Chris Gayle. Asked what his team missed, Sammy said: “Runs on the board.”

When again asked directly if Gayle was missed, Sammy said: “The batting has not been the problem only this series; it has been plaguing us for the last ten years. Maybe I could have Sobers, Viv, Walcott all of them. I think whosoever is picked for West Indies, if you are a batsman the onus is on you to make a difference.”

Asked if Gayle could have made a difference, Sammy said: “You never know, when he comes back we will see.”

Sammy hoped his team would bounce back in the second Test at Barbados.

“Just as the team believes in me, I also believe in them. We try to keep positive atmosphere in the dressing room. Next game is a different day. If we can prepare hard in the nets we can do it. As long as the players take responsibility to put the team first we will be in a better position,” he said.