Sacked West Indies skipper Chris Gayle is assuring his successor Darren Sammy of his support.That’s the word from a confident Sammy as he fielded questions from reporters, assembled at the Jamaica Pegasus Wednesday for his first press conference since taking over from Gayle.“Chris has publicly said that he would support me and the team and that in any way possible, he will help so I have full confidence that the senior players will do what they have to do,” Sammy says.The Windies leave in early November for a three-test tour of Sri Lanka, followed by a five-match one-day series and Sammy expects both Gayle and former vice-captain Dwayne Bravo to do their best for the regional side.“Any cricketer who is committed to West Indies cricket will go out there and give the best for the team and support whoever is in charge.My relationship with all the players over the years has been good and I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t continue,” Sammy asserts.But Sammy cautioned West Indian cricket supporters to be patient in their expectations as the team is going through a transition.“My biggest challenge would be to get the team to bring the results the West Indies people want. It is going to take time, we will not get the results right away, everything takes time,” the St Lucian allrounder noted.While he acknowledged that he was “quite elated and honoured” to be appointed West Indies’ captain, Sammy said the job will test his temperament and personality.“As a man from a Christian background, my mom always told me that the Almighty never puts His children in positions that He knows that they can’t handle. I have given this captaincy over to the hands of the Lord and with Him in charge everything is possible,” Sammy said spiritually.He also revealed that he will seek advice from past successful captains, Clive Lloyd and Sir Vivian Richards.
ezrastuart@nationnews.com
