Phil Simmons talks to the West Indies players
Reflexes
- West Indies fail to get players for the T20 World Cup
- Russell Arnold, Sunil Narine refused to play
- Windies coach Phil Simmons expressed his disappointment with the current situation
West Indies T20 World Cup: All Caribbean players are less active on the pitch for the West Indies and more for the cricket franchise. West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has toured the world expressing his disappointment in the culture of his players playing franchise cricket. The Caribbean team coach was very disappointed, saying: “I don’t think I’m going to ask these people up front to play for the West Indies.” The former Windies starter said he had to go to a player to play for his country. He doesn’t need to be persuaded.
At present, most of the West Indies cricketers play in the franchise league or are injured, leaving the cricket board struggling to pick the best team for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Simmons is deeply disappointed in this situation.
West Indies head coach disappointed with players
Cricket website ESPNcricinfo quoted Simmons as saying: “It hurts. There’s no other way for this. But what can you do? I don’t think I should ask people to play for their countries. I think if you want to represent the Indies Westerners you will be available for the team.
Russell Arnold and Sunil Narine prefer the cricket league to the West Indies
The West Indies have plenty of big names for T20 cricket, but the irony is that not all of these big players want to play for their team. Andre Russell, who rocked the IPL with his all-around performance, could have been a huge force for the Windies in the T20 World Cup, but he hasn’t made himself available for selection. Russell is currently playing in ‘The Hundred’ with his teammate and off-road star Sunil Narine. Evin Lewis and Oshane Thomas missed the board for their fitness test, while Sheldon Cottrell, Fabian Allen and Roston Chase are out with injuries.
West Indies chief coach asks players to play
West Indies suffered a 1-4 loss in the recent T20I series against India. Now, ahead of the T20 World Cup, the team has a three-match series against New Zealand to test the remaining players at international level. Chief selector Desmond Haynes said of Russell: “As far as I know, I think he’s not available because he hasn’t been made available.” Haynes said: “I would like all the players to go to the West Indies. Play. I would like all the players to be available to play.