Sammy looks to make most of conditions

ROSEAU: West Indies captain Darren Sammy said he hoped the Windsor Park pitch would assist his side's bowlers when they face India in the third Test, starting on Wednesday here.

But he has again urged his side's frontline batsmen to get the kind of runs that would put West Indies in a match-winning position.

"Any team which makes 300 in the first innings stands a very good chance to win the series," he said on the eve of the match.

"I am hoping the pitch will have the same pace as was seen in the first two Tests. There has been rain at this ground for the last seven to eight days, so there would be moisture on the pitch.

"We are hoping to insert India if we win the toss - and put them under pressure straightaway.

West Indies trail 1-0 in the three-match series, following a 63-run victory in the first Test at Sabina Park in Jamaica, and a draw at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Against this backdrop, it meant that the inaugural Test on the island of Dominica could be an extra special occasion if one of the sides win.

"I'm excited, the whole team is excited," said Sammy. "Dominica is like a home away from home for me.

"I played here quite a few times for St Lucia, as well as the Windward Islands, and I always get a lot of support here from the lovely people of this country. They love cricket and I know they will give us their full backing.

"I know the people will come and 'lively up' the place. This is the first Test match for the country, and it promises to be a wonderful occasion.

"The cricket played here will be seen worldwide, and it will be great exposure for the nation as well. It would be great to come out on the winning side at the end of the Test."

West Indies have a few decisions to make about their side. They have to determine if to shorten the batting and include Kemar Roach, or stick to the current composition, bringing either or both of the uncapped pair of Kieran Powell and Kirk Edwards into the line-up to bolster the batting.

"We need to win," said Sammy. "We will look at all our options, and come up with the combinations to go out and fight to win the Test match.

"It will be an all out effort from everyone in the team, a total team effort. From one to 11, everyone has to do the job for the team.

"Looking at the pitch, you can see there is some moisture and that should help the faster bowlers early on.

"Normally from playing here, it turns later on in the match, so both the pacers and spinners can expect some help."

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011