Windies will not underestimate Ireland - Sammy

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Darren Sammy, captain of West Indies Twenty20 team, says despite the underdog status of Ireland, he and his charges do not intend to take them lightly ahead of their three-match series at Sabina Park.

The two teams arrived in the country yesterday and are slated to face off in two Twenty20 Internationals and a one-off one-day international.

"As a West Indian team we always respect our opponents, no matter what," said Sammy.

"The Irish have not done well in the just-concluded NAGICO Super50, but no doubt we won't be underestimating them as that could be a recipe for failure.

"We will just have to go out there, keep our focus and try to execute as best as we can."

RANK OUTSIDERS

The series, one of two before West Indies depart next month to defend their ICC World Twenty20 title in Bangladesh, is set to bowl off on Wednesday with the Twenty20s. The second is set for Friday.

The one-dayer, in the meanwhile, has been earmarked for Sunday.

Ireland coach, Phil Simmons, in the meanwhile, says while his team will enter the series as rank outsiders, they will be putting their best foot forward.

"The expectation when we go anywhere is to try and win and play good cricket," said Simmons.

"We are going to try and be on top of our game at all times and if they (West Indies) slip up then we'll try and pull in."