Sammy: ‘We didn’t pick Lawes just out of our heart’ – West Indies Selection Process

Vitel Lawes: The 19-Year-Old Wristspinner Who Made Headlines

At just 19 years of age and without a single senior match under his belt in any format, Vitel Lawes represented one of the most intriguing international cricket selections in recent memory. Throwing the unheralded youngster directly into the deep end during the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand appeared to be a massive gamble. However, Lawes rewarded the selection panel’s faith by turning heads worldwide with his impressive left-arm wristspin, showcasing big turn, subtle variations, and remarkable composure.

Lawes concluded the five-match series with eight wickets at an average of 28.50. Despite the West Indies falling to a 3-2 series defeat against New Zealand, the teenager’s breakthrough performance stood out as one of the key bright spots for the Caribbean side.

Daren Sammy Defends Selection Process and Coaching Staff Efforts

Reflecting on Lawes’ selection and impressive display at the conclusion of the series, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed immense pride in the youngster’s achievements. Sammy made it clear that selecting the teenager was far from a random act of sentimentality, declaring, Sammy: ‘We didn’t pick Lawes just out of our heart’ while explaining the rigorous preparation that took place behind the scenes.

The head coach highlighted the vital role played by his support staff, particularly former West Indies spinner Nikita Miller, who was drafted into the coaching setup ahead of the series to aid in fast-tracking the youngster’s development.

Speaking on the decision and the preparation process, Sammy shared his detailed thoughts:

“I would say I’m proud of what he’s done,” Sammy said. “Taking a chance on a kid who’s never played [even] a game, in a region where you’re not sure how fast a player will develop. And we didn’t pick Lawes just out of our heart. The processes that we followed in fast-tracking his development, a lot of people don’t see that.”

Addressing the initial criticism and skepticism surrounding the selection, Sammy added:

“I heard a lot of noise when he was selected, but we, and guys like Nikita Miller, who put in the work, and Lawes himself, credit must go to him. But the processes we followed to get him to where we believed he was ready to play international cricket, we were quite happy with it. And we have a couple of [other] youngsters who we put in through that process as well.”

Sammy further emphasized his satisfaction with how Lawes handled the pressure of international cricket during his debut series:

“And Lawes, after the series, I said, you know, I’m really proud of him to come out [with] eight wickets, looking like he belongs in the game and especially [with] us trying to develop players. Really proud of what he’s done in his debut series.”

Middle-Order Deliveries: Rutherford and Hetmyer’s Series Finale

Although West Indies had already lost the ODI series prior to the fifth match, they managed to finish on a high note by securing a confidence-boosting victory in Tuesday’s finale. Chasing down a target of 269 set by New Zealand, the hosts crossed the finish line largely thanks to half-centuries from middle-order batters Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer, who both scored 60s.

While Sammy was pleased with the match-winning contributions from both players, he openly discussed the ongoing demand for greater consistency from his talented middle order.

“When you see someone like Hetty play like that and you see Sherfane play like that, you tend to ask yourself, why is it not more consistent?” Sammy remarked. “For me, it’s always a constant battle. When are they going to be consistent? When do we stop giving opportunities? But you look at the talent that’s there, it is so hard [for them] to not be part of the cricket. I was quite pleased.”

Elaborating on the performances of Rutherford and Hetmyer, Sammy pointed out the contrasts in their series progression:

“Throughout the series, Sherfane struggled a little bit, but he has been batting well in the nets. And Hetty, the way he played with such maturity. I’m pretty sure not only me, but the entire region and the West Indies fans – innings like that, you want to see more consistently. We know the Shai Hopes do that, but to see how Hetty played today was really pleasing.”

Key Takeaways from the West Indies vs New Zealand ODI Series

• Vitel Lawes’ Debut Impact: Plucked without prior senior experience, the 19-year-old left-arm wristspinner took 8 wickets in 5 matches at an average of 28.50.
• Structured Player Fast-Tracking: Sammy praised support staff, including former Caribbean spinner Nikita Miller, for putting Lawes through rigorous preparation.
• Series Outcome: New Zealand clinched the five-match ODI series 3-2, but West Indies finished on a positive note by chasing 269 in the final game.
• Middle-Order Sparks: Half-centuries (60s) from Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer guided the team to victory in the final match, drawing calls for long-term consistency from Sammy.

Looking Ahead: Test Series Against Pakistan and Roston Chase’s Injury Status

With the white-ball series against New Zealand wrapped up, West Indies turn their attention immediately to red-ball cricket. Their next assignment is an upcoming Test series against Pakistan, scheduled to commence in Tarouba on Saturday.

A major point of concern for the West Indies heading into the Test matches is the fitness and availability of red-ball captain Roston Chase. Chase missed the entire New Zealand ODI series after suffering a laceration and contusion to his right index finger.

Updating the media on Chase’s condition, Sammy mentioned that while the finger remains somewhat swollen, he is optimistic about the skipper’s availability for the opening Test match in Tarouba.

“I spoke to Roston earlier today,” Sammy stated. “He came to do his workout. Still a little bit puffy, but Roston is a fighter. I know he’s not going to want to miss any Test cricket. I’m pretty sure Dr. Byam [team physio Denis Byam] has a way of keeping guys on the park, so I’m pretty sure Roston will be ready for the first Test.”