Daijiworld Media Network – Bridgetown
Bridgetown, July 2: In a candid admission, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy revealed that match officials have acknowledged errors during the recently concluded first Test in Barbados against Australia. The match, which the visitors clinched by a 159-run margin, was not short of drama – both on and off the field.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Sammy stated, "We've had further chats [with the officials]. They've clarified some stuff. There has been some admission of error as well. This was Barbados, and we're now in Grenada, so we've left that behind."
The former West Indies skipper, known for his straightforward approach, was fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct (Level 1 offence) following his comments at the end of Day 2. Sammy had publicly expressed disappointment over umpiring inconsistencies, sparking reactions across cricketing circles.
The charge was brought forward by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon, along with third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite. Match referee Javagal Srinath proposed the sanction, which Sammy accepted without contest.
“I said I wouldn't want my players to do that press conference because of the questions I think that would have been posted at them. I strongly believed in what I said,” Sammy maintained, standing by his earlier stance.
Despite the criticism, Sammy clarified that he harbours no personal resentment towards any official, including Holdstock. “I don't hold grudges. I said what I said, based on what I saw. I've been punished for it. I wish Adrian all the best, to be honest. I mean, we're all human,” he added with grace.
The Test itself saw a dramatic finish, with West Indies collapsing in the final session of Day 3, bowled out while chasing 301. Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood’s 5-43 turned the tide decisively, ensuring victory for the tourists.
As the focus shifts to Grenada for the second Test, both teams – and the officials – will be looking to move forward, with lessons learned and tensions hopefully eased.