SAMMY DISLODGED AS WEST INDIES ODI CAPTAIN

by ESPNcricinfo staff

May 4, 2013

DARREN BRAVO

Dwayne Bravo has replaced Darren Sammy as the West Indies ODI captain for the Champions Trophy. Sammy, who retains his place in the side, will continue to lead them in Tests and Twenty20 internationals. Under Sammy, West Indies won the World Twenty20, but have won only three ODI series over the last three years, two of them against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

 "Our results in Tests and T20s have been showing consistent improvement, and Sammy deserves every kudos for the work he has done in leading and moulding the team in these formats," chairman of the selection panel, Clyde Butts, said. "We remain confident in his leadership in these formats, and will recommend that he continues as the captain for Test and T20 cricket.

"However, our ODI results have not been as strong, and we believe that it is best that we freshen the leadership of the team in this format."

DARREN SAMMY

West Indies have won 19 and lost 30 ODIs under Sammy, who first captained them in April 2010. Sammy averages 21 with the bat and 42 with the ball in the format. He has often been criticised for batting too low - usually No. 8 - to justify his place as primarily a bowler of limited penetration. However, that criticism hasn't been limited to just one format.

 Bravo, who averages 24 with the bat and 30 with the ball, was thrilled at the news. "I must say congratulations to Sammy in his leadership of the team, and I am very happy to be taking over from him," he said. "I am even happier that he remains in the team, and I am looking forward to working with him along with the team management and all the players, especially vice-captain Denesh Ramdin, Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Kieron Pollard and Marlon Samuels."

Sammy pledged support to the new captain. "I congratulate Dwayne Bravo," he said, "and give him my full support as he leads the ODI team. He can be assured of my unwavering commitment to the team and our plans to be champions of one-day cricket."

Bravo did captain West Indies in February when Sammy was rested during the home ODIs against Zimbabwe.

For the Champions Trophy, Andre Russell, Narsingh Deonarine, Veerasammy Permaul and Kieran Powell were left out from the 13-man squad that faced Zimbabwe. Sammy, Ravi Rampaul, Samuels, Gayle, Devon Smith and youngster Jason Holder made comebacks.

"We have shown confidence in the players who have served well in both the batting and bowling departments, and have identified some young players such as Jason Holder and Johnson Charles who add quality to the squad," Butts said.

Among those left out, only Powell was injured. Darren Bravo, who has undergone a minor eye surgery, was picked although he is yet to resume playing for Trinidad & Tobago.

SOURCE: http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-champions-trophy-2013/content/current/story/634071.html