Sammy Confident West Indies' Pace Attack Can Replicate New Zealand's Success in India

Sammy Confident West Indies' Pace Attack Can Replicate New Zealand's Success in India

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy believes his team's versatile pace attack can help them challenge India on their home turf in the upcoming two-Test series in October. Citing inspiration from New Zealand’s stunning 3-0 series win over India in late 2024, Sammy said the Caribbean side would look to emulate that performance by focusing on disciplined fast bowling and strategic preparation.

Speaking at a press conference, Sammy expressed full confidence in the quartet of Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Anderson Phillip, along with seam-bowling allrounder Justin Greaves. The former West Indies captain emphasized that the team has the tools to take 20 wickets in Indian conditions — a requirement he identified as critical for success.

“We have found ourselves in a position where our seam attack could operate in any conditions,” Sammy said. “That six-to-eight-metre length works across the world. And we’ve got four different guys who each bring their own variety."

Sammy highlighted the unique strengths of his fast bowlers: Shamar Joseph’s skiddy pace, Jayden Seales’ swing off a strong front leg, and Alzarri Joseph’s height and bounce. He insisted that these attributes would allow West Indies to challenge India's batters, even in traditionally spin-friendly conditions.

“It makes me smile knowing that we go out bowling and we take 20 wickets. And that’s the first objective in a Test match,” Sammy said confidently.

Brathwaite Dropped, Chanderpaul and Athanaze Recalled

The squad announcement also saw a significant shift in the batting line-up. Former captain Kraigg Brathwaite was dropped, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze returning to the side. Chanderpaul, who last played a Test in January 2024, was recalled based on form and consistency in domestic cricket. He averaged 42 in the 2024–25 4-Day Championship season before being sidelined by injury.

“When we look at the role needed for one of the openers, Tage brings clarity of thought in terms of the skillset and what that role requires,” Sammy said. “In the absence of Kraigg, the next best person that played that type of similar role would have been Tage.”

On Athanaze's inclusion, Sammy explained that the selectors had planned his return even before the Australia series, anticipating the skillset needed to succeed in Indian conditions.

“We don’t just pick and pluck players from nowhere,” Sammy said. “A lot of information and data is collected to come up with the best squad in terms of roles and skillsets.”

Spin Combination and Rest for Motie

While the pace attack will be central to the West Indies’ plans, spin will still play a role. The spin department includes Jomel Warrican, the uncapped Khary Pierre, and captain Roston Chase. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has been rested to manage his workload ahead of the T20 World Cup next year, following a full season in the Caribbean Premier League.

“Motie is a very strong contender in all formats,” Sammy clarified, stressing the move was strategic and not performance-related.

Building Belief and Learning from New Zealand

Sammy has been working closely with Test captain Roston Chase, particularly during the ongoing CPL 2025 season where both are part of the St Lucia Kings setup. The focus, Sammy said, has been on building belief and preparing the squad both mentally and technically for the challenge ahead.

“New Zealand went there and did incredibly well, and we should take inspiration from that,” Sammy noted. “But again, it’s about understanding what they did and trying to replicate it with our players.”

The West Indies last won a Test series in India in 1983. Their upcoming two-match series begins on October 2 in Ahmedabad, followed by the second Test starting October 10 in Delhi.

West Indies Test Squad for India Tour:

  • Pace Bowlers: Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip

  • Allrounder: Justin Greaves

  • Spinners: Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Roston Chase

  • Batters (not all listed): Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze

With preparation and planning underway, the Sammy-led West Indies side will aim to defy the odds and create history on Indian soil.