"Park this game, put it in the garbage" - Darren Sammy's message to players after WI vs ENG T20 World Cup Super 8 match
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy said that the loss to England in the Super 8 clash of T20 World Cup 2024 on Thursday will in no way dampen their spirits. The former all-rounder said that the message to his players would be put this game into the garbage bin and focus on the remaining matches.
The Caribbeans put on an underwhelming batting performance, as none of their batters passed fifty; Joshnson Charles top-scored with 38. With 181 to chase, Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow went hammer and tongs to lead England to an eight-wicket win.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Sammy said that he still harbours belief in the team to lift the World Cup, as they have the USA and South Africa as their next oppositions. As quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, the former player said:
"It's part of the game. This loss will not dampen our spirits. We still believe we've got a team that could win this World Cup, and that's what I'll tell the guys inside when I speak to them: park this game, put it in the garbage. And we move forward to Barbados where we win against the USA, and then we have South Africa in Antigua on Sunday."
West Indies were unbeaten in the tournament until they ran into England on Thursday. The co-hosts also have an injury concern, as Brandon King remains doubtful for the remaining matches due to side strain.
"We could talk about it now in hindsight" - Darren Sammy on not selecting Obed McCoy
With Obed McCoy bowling well against Afghanistan and still facing omission for Romario Shepherd, Sammy argued that they had pencilled in their squad well before. He elaborated:
"We could talk about it now in hindsight, but I've said it from day one: we have 15 potential match-winners.
"Obed did bowl well (against Afghanistan) but if you look at what Shepherd has done for us over the last year in T20 cricket, what he brings to the team, we thought going against them, especially the potential line-up England could have and the dual rule that he brings (was the right option)."
Shepherd stayed unbeaten on 5 off 7 but leaked 41 runs off two overs, including 30 in the last 6. Rovman Powell's men next face the USA on June 22 in Barbados.