GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC) — Two West Indies cricket legends have applauded Windwards captain Darren Sammy for withdrawing an appeal in their nail-biting Caribbean T20 encounter with Guyana on Friday night.

Courtney Walsh and Desmond Haynes

have both described Sammy as a shining example of leadership and sportsmanship after he withdrew an appeal, allowing Guyana to clinch a play-off spot.

“It is really good to see the Windward Islands and West Indies captain showing such

mature leadership in a pressure situation,” declared Walsh, one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time.

“I was very, very happy that our West Indies captain demonstrated the true spirit of the game and he should be commended for his action on the field of play.”

The appeal was withdrawn at a crucial stage of the game after Veerasammy Permaul and Steven Jacobs ran a leg-bye off the final ball, to see Guyana to a dramatic four-wicket victory.

The appeal was against Permaul for obstructing the fielders as he was hit by the return to the bowler’s end.

“What Sammy did was outstanding, in my view, and he should be praised for the stance he took at that stage of the game,” said Haynes, who formed the game’s greatest opening partnership with compatriot Gordon Greenidge.

“Cricket, and sports in general, is not just about winning. It is also about how you play the game and your role as an ambassador.”

Guyana won the gripping contest and went on to beat Jamaica in the play-off on Saturday night, but lost to Trinidad & Tobago in Sunday’s final.