Sammy relieved to escape with draw

West Indies captain Darren Sammy was utterly delighted with the draw his side escaped with in Dunedin on Saturday, as the rain prevented New Zealand from getting the 33 runs they required for victory in the first Test.

West Indies captain Darren Sammy was utterly delighted with the draw his side escaped with in Dunedin on Saturday, as the rain prevented New Zealand from getting the 33 runs they required for victory in the first Test.

The hosts needed 112 to win and were on 79 for four when rain arrived at tea, and it never left, thus denying the Kiwis a win. Sammy was thrilled, considering they needed a double ton from Darren Bravo just to avoid an innings defeat.

The situation after the first innings, where the Windies were all out for 213 in their chase of 609, felt similar to what the Windies endured in India last month, where they lost both Tests by huge margins.

Sammy said: "We came from India, where we had a miserable Test series. We came here, we had two-and-a-half days to prepare in conditions that three quarters of my side have not been in and it showed in the first two innings of the match.

"Winning the toss on a grassy top with a little bit of moisture, I don't think in the first couple of overs we put any ball in the six-metre line, we were all over the place and hence we were facing 600. Then our turn at the crease, I thought it was all India again."

When asked if the draw felt like a win, Sammy said: "Yes, from the situation of being asked to follow-on with a deficit of 400, it was important that we occupy the crease for long periods and I bet on the third day nobody expected to be here at 6.30.

"Credit must go to Darren Bravo. It is a morale boost for the guys, especially coming from India. I heard some commentator say this is worst West Indies team coming to New Zealand.

"We knew it would be difficult, so we are quite happy with the result from position we were in in the first innings."

Of Bravo's 218, which saved an innings defeat and gave the side a lead to defend, Sammy added: "That was a real mature innings. Somebody had to put their hand up for the team and one of the youngest guys did it.

"He models himself on his cousin, Brian [Lara]. I guess even the great Lara would have been proud of that innings. It was a match-saving innings and we are all happy for him. It will give us more confidence going into the second Test."

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