Sammy lauds Windies players for not losing focus against India

Roseau (Dominica), July 9 (ANI): West Indies captain Darren Sammy said that despite the tough situation his players found themselves in on Friday, he was proud of the way they battled hard and stayed focused on the job against the Indian batsmen on the third day of the Third Digicel Test match at Windsor Park.

On a hot, energy-sapping day, the West Indies had to compete without the services of fast bowler Ravi Rampaul, who had to seek medical attention after he fell ill on Thursday. Sammy led the bowling effort with 2-48 from 26 overs, while speedster Fidel Edwards ran in hard and bowled with great heart to end the day with 2-80.

There were also wickets for leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, and veteran Shiv Chanderpaul, in his record 133rd Test match. India ended the day on 308-6 - an overall lead of 104 on first innings.

"It was a tough day but we stayed focussed and never let our heads drop. We were a bowler short from the start as we knew we would not have the services of Rampaul, who has been one of our best bowlers and chief wicket-takers this season," Sammy said.

"It gives me great heart to see the way the entire team fought out there - bowlers sending down 20-plus overs - and the way we kept believing. To get six wickets on a good batting pitch with a bowler down is quite commendable," Sammy said.

Sammy added that everyone "felt the heat" but will be ready to go again when play resumes on Saturday.

Two of the six wickets to fall came as a result of some smart work from keeper Carlton Baugh. He held a brilliant leg-side catch standing up to Sammy, and was alert to stump VVS Laxman off Chanderpaul's bowling. On Thursday, Baugh top scored with a stroke-filled 60.

"Since he came back into the team last year in Sri Lanka, Carlton has been doing a great job for us. He has 11 first-class hundreds, so everyone knows what he can do with the bat and he's really starting to show it,' Sammy said.

"His keeping cannot be faulted and the more games he plays the better he is doing. Everyone can take a page from his book because he keeps showing us 'it can be done'." (ANI)