Coach Phil Simmons returns to training with the Men In Maroon
Phil Simmons is back on the job. The West Indies head coach returned to the field with his players on Thursday after his mandatory quarantine and COVID 19 tests. He was part of the warm-up and pre-match preparations as West Indies continued their four-day warm-up match at Emirates Old Trafford.
President of Cricket West Indies, Ricky Skerritt, said he spoke to Simmons and noted:
“I want to assure West Indies cricket fans that Phil Simmons still has the full backing of Cricket West Indies no matter what has been said. When all is said and done, Phil’s job is not in any way threatened...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.”
Speaking on Wednesday Simmons said he was fully focused on preparing the team to beat England and retain the prestigious Wisden Trophy.
“It won’t disrupt us, it will just make us a little stronger going into the Test series. Our focus is still on the series,” he 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. I had to do what is right for my family, just as I will do what is right for CWI for the series.”
Today we finally let you go. You accepted me into your family and trusted me to look after your precious daughter. You will be sorely missed by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and friends alike. #RIPWinstonTheodoreAkal pic.twitter.com/m2Ppev4TQw
— Phil Simmons (@Coachsim13) June 26, 2020