Simmons wants players to make most of opportunities versus Bangladesh
Phil Simmons
Phil Simmons

… says key performers could cement spot in team for upcoming home tours

By Clifton Ross

A CONFIDENT Phil Simmons wants his young West Indies brigade to seize the opportunities ahead and make the most of the Bangladesh tour, adding that top performers could easily solidify spots in the team ahead of the busy home schedule. The West Indies head coach via Zoom on Tuesday, said that this series will play a key part in the development of these incoming debutants and those who are making returns to the team after time away from international cricket. “If you do well in the games you’re putting yourself in a place that nobody can move you. You alone have that chance and that opportunity, so I think that opens up the pool and some of the places in the team into the player’s hand,” outlined Simmons.

The ex-West Indies opener revealed that players have a golden opportunity to prolong their international careers, and outlined boxes which needed to be ticked. Some of those boxes Simmons hinted, included, but were not limited to, good performances, mixed with off-field qualities and overall positive approach to their cricket.
“You might need to score 50 for us and the team may win and that player will be the reason. So it’s about performance, general attitude; those are the things you look for from players coming into the team. Those will be pluses for everyone.” Simmons admitted that although he knew his various weapons in the team, putting together the final XI and finding the right combination is something they are currently working on. He noted that training will also play a significant role in selection as well.

“I think 9 out of 10 it will be what we see in training. We will work out how we balance the team around the captain, so it’s about practice and what we see. We also want to see the conditions because we are practising on the side near the ground we will be playing on; so for now let’s see how we start and move from there”.
While winning the series alone is top priority, Simmons said that the upcoming Bangladesh tour has high stakes, with qualifications for the 50-Over World Cup riding heavy on both teams involved. “Preparations for the World Cup, it’s the tournament to qualify for the Cup so it’s a start. My role and message to the players is: you’re not here to fill places but seal a spot in the team.
We’re here with a balanced unit. We have 3 spinners, 3 pacers and a seaming all-rounder, so it’s a case of balance all around and we are going to work with that,”. Simmons added.
Both teams meanwhile continue to train under strict COVID-19 guidelines with neither team testing positive so far, following their tests on Monday.

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