Sammy: ‘We didn’t pick Lawes just out of our heart’ – West Indies Coach on Vitel Lawes
At just 19 years of age and without a single senior game in any format under his belt, Vitel Lawes emerged as one of the most intriguing international selections in recent cricket history. When West Indies selectors threw the teenager into the deep end for the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, many viewed it as a massive gamble. However, Lawes silenced critics and turned heads worldwide with his impressive left-arm wristspin, showcasing big turn, subtle variations, and remarkable composure. By the end of the series, he had picked up eight wickets across five matches at an average of 28.50, establishing himself as a genuine prospect for the Men in Maroon.
Reflecting on the outcome of the series, which New Zealand ultimately claimed 3-2, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed immense pride in the young spinner’s efforts. Sammy revealed that the bold decision to fast-track Lawes into the national setup was not a random punt, but rather the result of a deliberate, structured developmental effort supported by his coaching staff.
The Strategy Behind Vitel Lawes’ Selection
Prior to the series, former West Indies spinner Nikita Miller was brought into the coaching setup specifically to assist in preparing spin talent for top-level competition. Daren Sammy highlighted that Lawes’ inclusion was supported by clear preparation protocols designed to test and elevate his game prior to his international launch.
Addressing the initial skepticism surrounding the teenager’s call-up, Sammy clarified the rationale behind the decision. As the head coach famously noted, Sammy: ‘We didn’t pick Lawes just out of our heart’, explaining that a rigorous process was followed behind closed doors to ensure the youngster was mentally and technically prepared to perform on the global stage.
“I would say I’m proud of what he’s done,” Sammy stated. “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.”
Sammy acknowledged that while outside noise was loud upon Lawes’ announcement, the dedicated work put in by the player and coaches like Nikita Miller paid dividends on the field.
“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,” Sammy continued. “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. 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 Brilliance and the Quest for Consistency
Although West Indies were unable to secure the series victory, they concluded the five-match ODI stretch on a high note by claiming a confidence-boosting win in Tuesday’s series finale. Chasing down a target of 269, middle-order batters Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer both scored crucial fifties (60s) to guide the team home.
While Head Coach Sammy was thoroughly pleased with the match-winning contributions from Rutherford and Hetmyer, he reiterated the importance of delivering such performances on a regular basis. In his post-series assessment, Sammy called for greater consistency from the middle order as West Indies continue to build towards long-term success.
“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.”
Evaluating their individual series journeys, Sammy pointed out that Rutherford had struggled somewhat earlier in the matches despite showing strong rhythm in the practice nets. On the other hand, Hetmyer’s calm execution during the run chase drew specific praise, with Sammy comparing the standard to that set by top-order anchor Shai Hope.
“Throughout the series, Sherfane struggled a little bit, but he has been batting well in the nets,” Sammy explained. “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.”
Focus Shifts to Pakistan Tests and Roston Chase’s Fitness
With the white-ball series against New Zealand wrapped up, West Indies immediately turn their attention to red-ball cricket. Their next assignment is an upcoming Test series against Pakistan, scheduled to kick off in Tarouba on Saturday.
A major point of concern for the team leading into the opening Test revolves around the fitness of red-ball captain Roston Chase. Chase missed the ODI series against New Zealand after sustaining a laceration and contusion to his right index finger. Providing an update on Chase’s recovery, Sammy indicated that while the finger remains somewhat swollen, the skipper is determined to take the field.
“I spoke to Roston earlier today,” Sammy revealed. “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.”
As West Indies transition into Test mode, the development of young talents like Lawes, combined with senior leadership recovery and middle-order form, remains central to the squad’s ongoing progression under Sammy’s guidance.
