Darren Sammy retires from Test cricket

Sammy has also informed the Board of his decision to continue to make himself available for selection for the other formats of the game.

Sammy, in his communication to the Board thanked the Directors, the selectors and team management for the confidence shown in him as a player and captain which he served as from October 2010 to May 2014.

Sammy said that he will always cherish the memories of representing and captaining the West Indies in Test cricket.

"The West Indies Cricket Board thanks Sammy for his service to West Indies Test cricket both as player and captain and looks forward to his continued involvement and contribution as an ODI player and T20 captain and player," West Indies Cricket Board said in a statement.

Sammy played in 38 Tests, captaining in 30 of those appearances. He remains the West Indies T20 captain.

Meanwhile, the West Indies Cricket Board on Saturday announced that wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin has been appointed West Indies Test captain. 

Ramdin said he is honoured by the confidence placed in him.

“It is an honour to be named as captain of the West Indies Test team. This is a huge opportunity and as a unit we are capable of representing the people of the West Indies,” Ramdin told West Indies Cricket Board website.

“It is something very special to represent the people of the West Indies and to be named to the lead the Test team and chart the course forward is humbling and extra special. I thank the WICB for affording me this incredible opportunity and I also thank the TTCB for the opportunity to lead Trinidad & Tobago," he said.

“I am taking over from Darren who did a good job while he was at the helm. He is a very humble and hardworking cricketer and during his time at the helm we won six matches and gave his all to the job," Ramdin said.

“My first assignment will be against New Zealand at home and this promises to be a very exciting series. I am a very calm individual and I will bring that level of calmness to the job and to the team as we look to move forward and build a winning Test team which will make the people of the West Indies proud," he said.

Sammy offered his support to Ramdin.

“Congratulations to Ramdin on being named Test captain. God’s speed brother as you look to take us forward. Thanks to all for the support,” Sammy said.

Ramdin’s first appointment in his new role will be the West Indies versus New Zealand Test in Jamaica starting on June 8.

(Image: Wikimedia Commons