Sammy finds pitch perfect

Kingston - West Indies captain Darren Sammy expected the Sabina Park pitch to suit his side for the first Test against India, starting on Monday.

Sammy had complained during the preceding Pakistan series, and the opening matches of the one-day series against India that the pitches were too heavily in favour of their opponents, whose spin bowlers thrived on turning tracks.

"It's been a pitch (over the years) that suits our style -- it's not where the ball would spin past the bat and better firepower (in the bowling) always has the best chance against India," said Sammy.

"We expect our batsmen to be more confident. They would have much more time and patience is required. When we chased down 250 here (in the final ODI), we had a game plan.

"Unlike previous games, the ball wasn't spinning past the bat. It suited our batsmen, and I expect them to be confident. I think our batters prefer their chances against the Indian bowlers on this surface.

"It was bouncing in the last one-day game, and we managed to restrict them. In Test cricket, you need to have lots of runs, wickets, and patience. Hopefully, we would do it, and come out victorious."

Sammy side-stepped the issue of Chris Gayle's omission, explaining that his side were far more focussed on winning the Test against India.

Gayle, the former captain, has been embroiled in a dispute with the West Indies Cricket Board over a highly controversial radio interview, and has been overlooked for selection.

"The guys have gone about their business -- not only for this Test match, but the entire series -- in a very professional way for the cause of representing the West Indies team," said Sammy.

"The fighting spirit has been evident in the team throughout the one-day series, and hopefully, we can take this into the Test.

"The Gayle issue is a matter beyond our control, so we the players can only just go out there, and do what we have to do, which is to represent the West Indies team."

Sammy said he still expected to receive full support from the Jamaican crowd, which he noted has often lifted the team.

"I think the history has a lot to do with the way we play when we get to Jamaica," he said.

"Historically, we have always done well in Jamaica. The crowd is very critical. If you are not doing well, they would let you know.

"The guys have this at the back of their minds; there are constant reminders from the crowd. If you are not in good position, the crowd will be on your back."

Sammy again defended his place in the side, and said understanding his role in the side was the key to his performances, although he would like to do much better with the bat.

"The role, since I started playing Test cricket, was to be the stock bowler for the team," he said.

"Every time I play cricket, I try to fulfill the role which has been passed on to me by my team, and do it to the best of my ability.

"Throughout my career, I have bowled with the same pace, and more frequently than not, I have managed to do well for West Indies.

"Playing as an all-rounder, you want to contribute, and I haven't batted that well. It's a good time to start putting runs on the board."

West Indies and India also play Tests in Barbados, starting on June 28, and in Dominica, beginning on July 6.