West Indies head coach Darren Sammy said he was pleased with Jomel Warrican's progress and success in the opening Test against Bangladesh. Warrican proved to be tough to negotiate for the hosts and claimed nine wickets, including a five-fer in the first innings, to help West Indies take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

The 34-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner has made noticeable improvements to his game over the past 12 months, despite limited opportunities at the international level. He has featured in just three Tests during this period, returning two five-wicket hauls.

West Indies have played eight Tests in the last year, but the team management has been selective in its use of Warrican, preferring to deploy him in conditions that suit his style of bowling. The decision has yielded results, with the spinner claiming 15 wickets at an average of 21.46, significantly better than his career average of 28.21 from 26 Tests, in which he has taken 93 wickets, including a best of 7 for 32.

Ahead of the second Test in Sylhet, scheduled to begin on November 5, Sammy said Warrican's attention to detail and preparation had played an important role in his performances.

“Jomel was brilliant. He is one who pays attention to detail, always wants to know what is required of him. His preparation has been spot on, and you can only perform when you get the opportunity,” said Sammy.

“He's not played many of the Test matches this year. I think he played two at home. He missed the first test against Sri Lanka. But apart from that, every time he's gotten an opportunity now he's been brilliant for us. Three(two) five-wicket hauls I think so far this year alone proves his worth in the team.

“Sometimes we make decisions and a lot of people might question it but like I always say we know within that circle which is called the West Indies cricket team what we're about.

“We don't just do crazy things. We plan, and there's nothing better when a plan comes together and Jomel Warrican is one of those and when he gets the opportunity to play in conditions that suit him, he has grabbed it with both hands,” he concluded.

Sammy was also impressed by the committment shown by his squad as they look to finish the current ICC World Test Championship cycle on a positive note.

“We will play with the same mentality with a little bit more hunger. The captain has challenged them from the time we got here what the mission is. It is also important that we finish the year on a high.

“And one thing I know about Phil [Simmons, Bangladesh coach], Phil will not make it easy. He wants to win as well. They have their own goals in the Test Championship as well.

“But I am pretty sure with what I see from the guys - the hunger, the determination, the willingness to work hard, and the attention to detail they put into their preparation - it tells me that whatever we face in Sylhet, we'll be ready.

"And to finish this test cycle with an away win in Bangladesh, and Bangladesh is not easy at home. Before we started this, they were fourth on the table in the Test Championship, winning against Australia. So we are very aware of what's at stake, and within the group, we are eager to achieve our goals set back in Barbados when the Test Championship cycle started,” he concluded.