Sammy backs mindset and execution as Windies target Test turnaround

Coming off a difficult white-ball tour where the West Indies fell 3–0 in the One Day International series and 3–1 in the T20Is, Head Coach Daren Sammy remains upbeat as his squad turns its attention to the Test arena. Speaking ahead of the opening Test on December 1st at 18:00 hrs, Sammy stressed that – despite the recent results – the mentality within the camp is strong and the team is fully focused on execution.

“We might not have the numbers behind us coming to New Zealand, but the mindset wehave here and what we’re trying to create is good, and it boils down to execution,” Sammy said. “From my playing days to my captaincy days, the word has always been ‘execution’. If you execute well here in New Zealand, you can compete.”
Sammy believes the limited-overs results did not fully reflect the competitiveness of his side.
“One thing we’ve shown over here: we challenge them. In the T20 series, in the ODI series, I don’t think the results reflected how we played. Now it’s the Test series – being able to survive and challenge the new ball with both bat and ball and being able to make better decisions under pressure. These are the things we talk about. We have our KPIs in the test arena, and the mentality I’ve seen at practice has been brilliant.”
The West Indies have not won a Test series in New Zealand for decades, but Sammy insists the mission remains unchanged.
“We come here to win,” he stated. “To win, you must compete – and winning has characteristics you need to have. Good performances from everyone, understanding the threat New Zealand poses at home. There’s a reason we haven’t won here for a long time, but it’s not impossible. That’s the mission; that’s the word I’m going to drive with the men.”
For Sammy, the formula is clear: “Preparation, backed by attitude and mentality, could create performance. And that’s what we’re trying to do.”
As the West Indies prepare for the first ball on Monday evening, the team will hope that a renewed mindset, sharpened execution, and a hunger to make history can turn potential into performance.