Simmons will not be sacked for funeral visit
Simmons has mixed with his squad again in Manchester ater passing his 3rd test for the virus. He had been watching the team’s intrasquad match from his balcony before the latest test
West Indies coach Phil Simmons was told that he was in no danger of losing his job ater the Barbados cricket Association president said the former Test batsman should be sacked for atending his father-in-law’s funeral.
Simmons was in self-isolation at the team’s onsite hotel at Old Trafford ahead of next week’s first Test against England at Southampton ater being granted a request for compassionate leave before the squad let for Britain.
Simmons temporarily let the West Indies’ protective bubble to atend the funeral, which took place in Britain.
He has mixed with his squad again in Manchester ater passing his latest test for the virus.
He had been watching the team’s intrasquad match from his balcony but was allowed to interact with his players ater passing a third consecutive virus test.
But ahead of a Test series taking place against the backdrop of COVID-19, Espncricinfo revealed that BCA chief Conde Riley had writen to cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerrit lamenting an “inconsiderate and reckless” process as he called for Simmons’ dismissal.
But Skerrit told a conference call: “I want to assure West Indies cricket fans that Phil Simmons still has the full backing of cricket West Indies no mater what has been said.
“When all is said and done, Phil’s job is not in any way threatened by that leter.
“He went through a very vigorous recruitment process nine months ago and was the best man we could have found for the job. He’s still the best man.”
Meanwhile Simmons, in his second stint as Windies coach, said: “This has not been an easy time for my family. My wife was very close to her father and his passing has hurt us. There was no question of me not going to the funeral.
“My wife, my daughters and my son needed that support. Family is a huge thing for me.
“It won’t disrupt us, it will just make us a litle stronger going into the Test series. Our focus is still on the series.”
West Indies captain Jason Holder had no qualms over Simmons’ brief absence.
“Phil has done what was asked of him and I don’t have any issue with it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Windies captain Holder took a wicket in his first over of the tour of England on Wednesday.
The pace bowling all-rounder struck on the penultimate day of the West Indies’ second and final intra-squad game at Old Trafford.
Stumps were reached before the death aged 95 of West Indies bating great Everton Weekes was announced later on Wednesday.
Ater reserve wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva carried his bat made an impressive 133 not out, West Indies’ likely first choice batsmen and bowlers were in direct opposition in Manchester.
Shannon gabriel, officially classified as a travelling reserve but on course to play in the first of a threematch behind closed doors series, removed John Campbell and Shai Hope as a Kraigg Brathwaite XI declined to nine for three on the third day of four.
Holder did not bowl in the first internal warm-up match last week amid concerns over an ankle injury but the Barbados all-rounder removed Shamarh Brooks with his sixth delivery Wednesday and got through five overs in all.
That Brathwaite’s men reached stumps on 112 for seven in response to the 272 all out made by Holder’s team, highlighted fears that the West Indies’ leading batsmen may struggle to give their impressive bowling atack enough runs to play with during the upcoming three-match series.