Sammy hails 'complete team effort'

Darren Sammy believes that the West Indies have gained the favourable momentum they targeted ahead of their World T20 title defence in Bangladesh later this month. With the T20 England series won, Sammy said this was the ideal boost they needed before they departed and was proud of the guys for meeting their objectives.

"We wanted to leave here with good momentum going into the World Cup," Sammy said. "For two games it has been a complete team effort, I can't fault the lads. In T20 cricket the momentum shifts at different times and we wanted to make sure we started well and we finished well. It feels good. It's been a long time since we won a series, much less winning 3-0."

He contended that with the final game left, his charges were on a high but would proceed with caution and avoid overconfidence. However, he revealed that his batsmen were eager to get back into the crease after impressing in Barbados. Sammy pointed to the opening partnership of Chris Gayle and Dwayne Smith as an immense asset going to the subcontinent.

"Chris [Gayle] is one of the most explosive Twenty20 players and [Dwayne] Smith allows Chris to play in that manner. Cricket is all about partnerships, we bowl in partnerships and when we bat, its very important."

Sammy was relieved to see Gayle's return from injury result in good form off the cuff. He believes that the openers are the right blend of patience and high-octane batting while emphasizing that their middle-order also packed some punch. "Gayle, we know how destructive he can be, but he gives himself time and Smith gives him that time by going hard at the ball. Then we know we've got power at the end with myself and [Dwayne] Bravo."

The captain also commended Krishmar Santokie on his Man-of-the-Match performance. "He's been on the sidelines and it's good that every time he gets his opportunity, he grabs it. That presents the selectors with a headache to come up with the best XI."