Sammy quits Test cricket after being sacked as captain

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 10 (IANS/CMC) All-rounder Darren Sammy has announced his retirement from Test cricket, in a stunning development after he was sacked as the West Indies skipper.

The St Lucian all-rounder was Friday axed as Test skipper and replaced by wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, after a near four-year stint in charge, reports CMC.

However, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) subsequently announced Sammy's decision to end his Test career, while noting that the Twenty20 captain would remain available for selection to the other formats of the game.

"Darren Sammy has formally notified the West Indies Cricket Board of his decision to retire from Test cricket," the board said.

"Sammy has also informed the board of his decision to continue to make himself available for selection for the other formats of the game. Sammy, in his communication to the board thanked the directors, the selectors and team management for the confidence shown in him as a player and captain which he served as from October 2010 to May 2014.

"Sammy said that he will always cherish the memories of representing and captaining the West Indies in Test cricket."

Sammy led West Indies in 30 of his 38 Tests, winning eight, losing 12 and drawing ten matches, and was credited for returning discipline and stability to the regional side.

However, West Indies have remained eighth in the Test rankings and heavy defeats on the tours of India and New Zealand last year, placed Sammy's captain under fresh scrutiny.

The WICB said it was thankful to Sammy for his contribution over the last four years.

"The West Indies Cricket Board thanks Sammy for his service to West Indies Test cricket both as player and captain and looks forward to his continued involvement and contribution as an ODI player and T20 captain and player," the board release said.

The 30-year-old Sammy made 1323 runs in Tests at an average of 21, and a highest score of 106 against England at Trent Bridge in 2012. With the ball, he took 84 wickets at 35 runs apiece, with four five-wicket hauls. There was speculation Sammy could not command a place in the West Indies Test side outside of his role as captain.

--IANS/CMC

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