DHAKA – Chris Gayle has given a strong endorsement of Darren Sammy’s captaincy and says he expects him to continue to improve in the leadership role.
Sammy replaced Gayle as West Indies captain in October, 2010, a move by selectors that sparked widespread criticism and rigorous debate among pundits.
Gayle, who recently returned to the side after a 14-month exile, said Sammy had performed well in what had been a difficult role.
“He has bonded himself with the team for the last two years he has been captain,” Gayle told the media yesterday.
“He’s played a particular role in the last two years. It’s not an easy role being captain and we as senior players have to try and make his job as easy as possible. He has done well and . . . [earlier this year] he has actually got a Test century which has been a big improvement from his personal point of view.”
He added: “[He’s been] doing well with the ball as well so as time goes on, he’ll actually progress and get to learn more . . . and in the future be a better captain.”
Sammy has led a West Indies revival since his time in charge, leading the side to the Twenty20 World Cup triumph in Sri Lanka last month and to a comprehensive win in all formats when New Zealand toured the Caribbean during the summer.
Last year the side reached the quarter-finals of the 50-over World Cup and also managed to hold Pakistan to a 1-1 draw in a two-Test series.
Gayle returned to the side in time for the New Zealand series after ending a highly publicised stand-off with the West Indies Cricket Board and played a crucial role with his heavy scoring in all formats of the game. (CMC)
