World Cup 2019: Darren Sammy upbeat of Windies winning the tournament

The West Indies team has seen its fortunes dwindle ever since their glory days ended in mid-90s. The Caribbean team was the first winner of the World Cup cricket tournament in 1975 in England and then won it again just to prove that they could do it in 1979, both times under the leadership of Clive Lloyd. They continued their good form in 1983 edition as well, reaching the finals, only to be beaten by surprise package Indian team.

This was the last time the West Indies team reached the finals of the World Cup, though they made it into the semi-finals in 1987 and 1996 editions and quarterfinals in 2015 edition, everyone still yearns to see the return of that dominant West Indies unit in cricket. It may happen soon, as the team has become a formidable force in the 20-over format, winning the T20 World Cup two times in 2012 and 2016 and the captain who led them to this glory, Darren Sammy has said that he can see the side winning the ICC World Cup 2019 as well.

West Indies will win the World Cup, says Sammy

The West Indies 15-man squad for the ICC even in England and Wales sees Chris Gayle playing in his last World Cup and a mixture of both youth and experience under the capable leadership of Jason Holder. “West Indies will win the World Cup. With Chris Gayle retiring, the ‘Universe Boss’ will want to leave with a bang. I just have a strong feeling. It’s been 40 years since we last won the World Cup. I’m a biblical man and the number 40 comes up a lot in the bible… I think it’s our time to rise up,” Sammy was quoted as saying by metro.co.uk.

According to Sammy, the West Indies have a very good batting lineup with the likes of Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope leading them and backup in form of Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite and Jason Holder. But the former Windies skipper has mentioned that for the team to be successful in England, the bowlers have to pick wickets in English conditions and he thinks the current bowling attack is suitable to do that with Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel leading the pack.

Sammy further lauded Chris Gayle and appreciated his career for the West Indies, by saying, “It’s a joy to watch. I’ve played most of my games with Chris and I’ve enjoyed watching him. When he’s in that sort of form, it sends a very positive message to the rest of the dressing room.”

The West Indies play their first match against Pakistan on May 31.

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