Sammy pays rich tribute to bowlers

 

 

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Darren Sammy has praised West Indies' character after they were reduced to just three frontline bowlers on the third day of the third Test in Dominica on Friday.

The Windies had to do without the services of in-form seamer Ravi Rampaul who was kept off the field for most of the day with a stomach bug.

Despite the big blow, West Indies still managed to limit India to 308 for six at Windsor Park, after they resumed the day on eight without loss.

"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 felt.

Sammy led the Windies attack with two for 48 including the prized wicket of Rahul Dravid, while speedster Fidel Edwards finished with two for 80.

Four batsmen got half-centuries with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni stroking an unbeaten 65, opener Abinhav Mukund scoring his maiden Test half-century in getting 65, while V.V.S. Laxman (56) and Suresh Raina (50) also got among the runs.

With India leading by 104 runs on first innings, Sammy said his side was preparing for another tough battle Saturday.

"We have a very good physio in CJ Clark so he knows what to do to get the bowlers ready. We will be fresh again and will be ready to go again," said the all-rounder.

"It was very hot but we never gave in. The belief in the bowling unit is quite high. We said once we put the ball in the right areas we could bowl them out. Kudos to the bowlers for sticking to the plans and putting in all those overs in such trying conditions," concluded the skipper.