Windies eye biggest Test ranking rise in 30-odd years

DHAKA, Bangladesh:

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy says his team has plenty to play for heading into the second and final Test against Bangladesh, with a chance to secure a significant improvement in both the ICC Test rankings and the World Test Championship standings.

After producing encouraging performances in recent months, the Caribbean side will be seeking another strong showing when the teams meet in the second Test, as Sammy believes the match could help cap one of the regional team’s most productive years in the longest format.

Speaking ahead of the contest, Sammy said the stakes extend beyond the immediate result, noting that the West Indies are on course to finish the calendar year with achievements not seen for more than three decades.

“In the calendar year, something that has not been done in 32 years, no matter what happens, we will finish. We have a chance to finish better than we’ve done in previous years in the World Test Championship cycle,” Sammy said.

The former West Indies captain added that a victory could also help lift the regional side up the ICC rankings, an area in which the team has struggled to make significant gains in recent years.

“We have an opportunity to move up the rankings, the Test rankings, something we’ve not done since 2014,” Sammy noted.

“We’ve not been probably number six or four. We have an opportunity to actually get there. So a lot is in store for this team.”

Sammy credited both players and support staff for the progress made so far, highlighting the performances that have placed the team in contention for a notable finish to the year.

“Kudos to the coaching staff and the players, especially putting out some performances that could help us get victories,” he said.

The second Test presents another opportunity for the West Indies to build on those performances against a Bangladesh side that will be eager to level the series and make home conditions count.

For the visitors, however, the focus will be on maintaining the momentum that has kept them in the hunt for a higher position in the rankings and strengthened hopes of ending the year on a historic note. With valuable World Test Championship points also at stake, Sammy believes his team has every reason to remain motivated as the series reaches its conclusion.