We can see some light coming through ahead of Pakistan Tests, says Daren Sammy

West Indies have won one match from ten matches in the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle and sit eighth on the nine-team table. Pakistan are currently occupying ninth place. The first Test begins on July 25 at Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, marking the venue's first Test match. The second Test follows at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain from August 2.

Daren Sammy took charge as West Indies head coach in April 2025, with a target to win the next World Test Championship cycle from 2027 to 2029. West Indies won the Sri Lanka series 1-0 in early July, which Sammy views as a turning point after difficult opening assignments against Australia, India and New Zealand.

"Look, everything is a process. When I took on this job, when I look at the first three Test series we had: Australia here in difficult conditions, West Indies in India, West Indies in New Zealand. Phew! That was three really challenging ones. So, for me, my process has always been simple: understand what the direction we want to go, with my conversations with the director, conversations with the captain and the players, and how we go about doing it. So if you see me looking calm all the time, it's because I understand what we as a group are trying to do and not the noise from the outside,” said Sammy as quoted by Cricinfo.

West Indies are four or five points behind the top six of the World Test Championship table but sit just three points from reaching sixth place. The Pakistan series presents a crucial opportunity to narrow that gap.

Jangoo injury raises wicketkeeping questions

Wicketkeeper-batter Amir Jangoo sustained a shoulder injury during the New Zealand ODI series following the Sri Lanka Tests. His double-century played a key role in West Indies' innings victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka.

"With the injury to Jangoo, it brings another ask of probably Shai Hope to take on the mantle of the gloves again. I'm speaking to him. I'm trying to ask him for a couple more favours, because you've got to also consider his workload, keeping in mind the other two formats and asking him to score some real runs. It's a conversation we'll have." Sammy said.

Bishop and McKenzie bring fresh options

Left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop has received his maiden Test call-up after consistently pressing for selection. Kirk McKenzie has returned to the squad after last playing in 2024.

"Yes, Joshua Bishop has been really knocking at the doors every season. And obviously with the venues that we have here now - the second Test is in Port of Spain - it brings an opportunity for us to probably even play two genuine spinners and Roston [Chase] as the captain as well. And Joshua Bishop's contribution and performances brings him and forces his way into the Test team,” said Sammy

West Indies will honour the memory of Sir Garry Sobers throughout the series following his recent death.

"We just lost a great one in Sir Garry. What he contributed to the Test game... because of him, we got so many followers, so many lovers of cricket. He contributed so much to that. So throughout this series, we'll be playing, trying to honour his legacy and trying to put performances that he would be proud of,” said Sammy.