Phil Simmons to step down as WI coach after Australia Tests

Phil Simmons will step down as the West Indies lead trainer following the group's appalling T20 World Cup crusade, CWI affirmed on Monday (October 24). Simmons' last task will be the two-match Test series in Australia that starts off on November 30.

West Indies, the main side to have won the T20 World Cup two times, needed to play in the principal round of the competition this time around. They were as yet charged as top choices to go through to the Very 12 having been matched close by Ireland, Zimbabwe and Scotland. In any case, they experienced a shock rout against Scotland in their most memorable game prior to making up for themselves against Zimbabwe. Yet, that wasn't enough as they were lowered by Ireland in the sink or swim experience which saw them crash out of the opposition.

Simmons in his proclamation repeated that it was anything but an automatic response. "I recognize that the group is harming as well as the pleased countries we address too," Simmons said. "It's frustrating and tragic however we simply didn't turn up. We weren't sufficient and we presently need to watch a competition work out without our contribution. It's unimaginable and for that I profoundly apologize to our fans and adherents.

"According to an individual point of view this isn't an automatic response, yet a move I have been thinking about for quite a while and this is the ideal opportunity to disclose that I will step down as West Indies Lead trainer toward the finish of the Test series against Australia. It is sooner than expected, however I will presently zero in my energies in Australia on proceeding to expand on the superb headway the Test group has made. Obviously, as the President has brought up, we will likewise complete the essential survey into our Reality Cup crusade."

This was Simmons' second spell with the West Indies. In the first, he directed the group to the 2016 T20 World Cup and afterward was selected again in October 2019. Despite the fact that their structure in Test cricket has worked on significantly in this period, West Indies' T20 fortunes has dwindled. The presence of experienced campaigners like Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell didn't assist their objective in the T20 World Cup with enduring year and despite the fact that they have all been supplanted in the end by more youthful players, the outcomes haven't changed.

"For the benefit of CWI, I need to say thanks to Phil for his diligent effort and devotion to West Indies cricket, most as of late in his job as Lead trainer," CWI President Ricky Skerritt said. "Phil is a pleased West Indian, with high standards and has never needed inspiration in directing our more youthful players on and off the field of play. He brought significant experience and strength at a vital time of change, including the most difficult climate of the Coronavirus pandemic. We want him to enjoy all that life has to offer in his future undertakings."

The primary Test against Australia will start on November 30 in Perth before the groups move to Adelaide for the second and last Test, which will start off on December 8.