Legendary West Indies Cricketer Sir Andy Roberts Shares Thoughts on Daren Sammy’s Appointment as Test Coach

Sir Andy Roberts

Apprehensions about Daren Sammy’s Appointment

Legendary West Indies fast bowler Sir Andy Roberts does not believe the appointment of Daren Sammy as head coach of the Test team will result in immediate success for the regional side.

Sammy’s Promotion Follows Impressive Results

On Monday, during Cricket West Indies (CWI) quarterly press conference in St Vincent, Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe revealed that Sammy, the white-ball head coach, would take over from the current head coach of the Test side, Andre Coley, effective April 1, 2025. Sammy’s promotion followed impressive results. During his 18 months in charge, he led the T20 team to victories in 20 of their 35 matches, while the ODI side won 15 of its 28 matches.

Players Need to Change Their Mindsets

However, speaking on Trinidadian radio station i95.5FM on Thursday, the 73-year-old, who took 202 Test wickets in just 42 matches, said the players needed to change their mindsets if the West Indies was to return to its glory days.

“Daren Sammy is loved by Cricket West Indies, especially in this administration,” Sir Andy said. “I don’t see any coach making a difference until the players can buy into the concept of what made West Indies cricket great in the past.”

Hard Work and Commitment Key to Success

“Hard work, commitment, the love for the game, rethink your game because you cannot allow coaches to think for you because that seems to be the norm in West Indies cricket,” Sir Andy said. “Everything a coach tells them, they seem to think it is gospel. You have to work things out for yourself because what is good for me may not be good for you, so you have to know what is good for yourself, and you have to be able to analyze your game on the day because every day you wake up, you won’t feel the same.”

West Indies Cricket Needs to Move Forward

Sir Andy lamented that West Indies cricket was still being run the same way despite being rooted to the bottom of the Test rankings for decades. “If you check West Indies cricket, during the years that we have been in the doldrums and today we’re still in the doldrums, but our methods stay the same as it was 15, 20 years ago, and it is not a method that is associated with West Indies’ greatness,” Sir Andy maintained.

“We are living in the past as far as Australia, England, India and all of them. They are teaching us how to play cricket now, and we are the ones they follow. Now we’re the followers,” he added.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sir Andy Roberts’ comments highlight the need for a change in mindset among West Indies cricketers if the team is to return to its glory days. The appointment of Daren Sammy as head coach of the Test team is a step in the right direction, but it is up to the players to buy into the concept of what made West Indies cricket great in the past.

FAQs

Q: What are Sir Andy Roberts’ thoughts on Daren Sammy’s appointment as head coach of the Test team?
A: Sir Andy Roberts believes that the players need to change their mindsets if the West Indies is to return to its glory days.

Q: What are the reasons behind Sir Andy Roberts’ apprehensions about Daren Sammy’s appointment?
A: Sir Andy Roberts believes that the players need to buy into the concept of what made West Indies cricket great in the past, and that coaches cannot make a difference until the players change their mindsets.

Q: What does Sir Andy Roberts think is the key to success for West Indies cricket?
A: Sir Andy Roberts believes that hard work, commitment, and a love for the game are key to success for West Indies cricket.