We are a better team now: Sammy

Kolkata – West Indies are banking on their experience, maturity and better mental make up besides mistakes on the part of Indian batsmen to do well in the Eden Gardens Test beginning Wednesday, captain Darren Sammy said here Tuesday.

The Caribbean skipper, however, termed the match as a “big challenge” and said his team was watching video footage of the Indian players before firming up its plans.

Referring to his team’s improved showing after the 0-2 loss in the three-Test series hosted by India in 2011-12, Sammy pointed out his teams’s six Test matches winning streak.

“We are now more experienced and mature and we are in a better frame of mind and playing much better. We are glad to be part of a Test series which will draw curtains on Sachin’s career. We are here to compete,” said Sammy at the match eve media meet.

Sammy said having had a run fest during the just ended ODI series against Australia, the Indians “will come out playing lot of shots and make more mistakes which will help us.”

Asked about the weak Indian bowling attack, Sammy said one cannot judge the bowling when there are fielding restrictions, fast outfield and a flat wicket.

“(But) If their bowling is their weak point then it is good for us. We won’t complain at all.”

The visiting skipper said his bowlers would not focus on any particular Indian batsman.

“We need 10 wickets. No single wicket is a prized wicket. In the last series, in Mumbai Test match we had India on back foot when (Ravichandran) Ashwin scored a hundred and turned the game around.”

He conceded that the Caribbean bowlers would face a tough battle against the Indian willowers.

“Their batsmen have been playing really well and it will be a tough battle for us. But we are confident and execute our plans well and look to get 20 wickets.”

Sammy was happy with the Oct 31-Nov 2 practice game against the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association XI.

“We got what we wanted from the practice game. We played a Test match in March so the game gave us red ball practice. We spent some time on the wicket and got used to the conditions.”