### **Daren Sammy Stresses Realism in Windies Test Team’s Long-TermGoals**
**March 4, 2025**
Daren Sammy, the head coach of the West Indies men’s cricket team, has emphasized the need for a realistic and structured approach in setting long-term goals for the Test squad. The former captain, who led the Windies to two T20 World Cup titles, has been at the helm of the red-ball setup since mid-2023, aiming to rebuild a competitive side in the longest format of the game.
### **Focus on Gradual Progress Rather Than Quick Fixes**
Speaking to the media ahead of the West Indies’ upcoming Test series, Sammy acknowledged the historical struggles of the team in Test cricket but insisted that the path to revival requires patience and consistency.
*”We cannot expect to become a dominant Test team overnight,”* Sammy said. *”Cricket is a process, and while we have immense talent in the Caribbean, we need a clear roadmap to ensure long-term success rather than short-term results that fade away.”*
Sammy pointed out that while the West Indies have shown promise in recent years, including a shock victory against England in 2022 and a resilient draw against Australia in early 2024, the team needs a more sustainable approach to maintain competitiveness.
### **Building a Core of Young Players**
One of Sammy’s primary strategies is to develop a core group of young players who can mature into world-class Test cricketers. He believes that consistency in selection and proper mentorship will help players transition from domestic cricket to the highest level.
*”We have some exciting young talents like Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, and Jayden Seales. But talent alone isn’t enough. They need the right guidance, experience, and opportunities to play consistently against the best teams in the world,”* Sammy explained.
The coach also emphasized the importance of domestic cricket in preparing players for the demands of international Test cricket. He called for stronger investment in regional tournaments, better pitches, and enhanced coaching structures to ensure that players entering the Test side are well-equipped.
### **A Realistic Approach to Rankings and Expectations**
While fans and former players have often called for the West Indies to return to their dominant days of the 1970s and 1980s, Sammy stressed that comparisons to the past can be counterproductive. Instead, he urged supporters to recognize the modern-day challenges of Test cricket, particularly financial constraints, player retention issues, and the growing attraction of franchise leagues.
*”Look, we all want the West Indies to be a top-ranked Test team, but we have to understand that the game has changed. We don’t have the same resources or player pool as before. What we can do is focus on realistic goals—climbing up the rankings step by step and competing fiercely against every opponent,”* Sammy noted.
Currently, the West Indies sit outside the top five in the ICC Test rankings, and Sammy believes that setting achievable targets—such as consistently competing with teams ranked above them—will be key.
### **Balancing T20 Stardom with Test Commitment**
One of the major challenges for the West Indies is retaining players for Test cricket in an era where lucrative T20 leagues dominate the calendar. With many of the region’s best cricketers opting to prioritize franchise leagues over national duty, Sammy has been vocal about the need to strike a balance.
*”T20 cricket is a reality, and I won’t stop players from chasing financial security. But at the same time, we need to build a culture where playing Test cricket for the West Indies is seen as an honor and a priority,”* he said.
Sammy revealed that discussions have been ongoing with Cricket West Indies (CWI) to provide better incentives for Test players and create an environment where cricketers are motivated to commit to the longest format.
### **Upcoming Challenges and Road Ahead**
The immediate focus for Sammy and his team is the upcoming Test series against South Africa, followed by a challenging tour to India later in the year. While both series will test the Windies’ resilience, Sammy remains optimistic that the team will show signs of progress.
*”We are not here to just participate. Every time we step on the field, we want to compete and challenge the best teams. The key is to keep improving and believing in our process,”* he concluded.
With a clear emphasis on realism, player development, and structural improvements, Daren Sammy is laying the foundation for what he hopes will be a brighter future for West Indies Test cricket. However, only time will tell if his vision translates into consistent success on the international stage.
