TRINIDAD AND Tobago and West Indies cricketers Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard have both welcomed the appointment of ex-national and WI all-rounder Phil Simmons as the new coach of the regional team.
According to Bravo, in an interview yesterday, “it is a good fit. I think it’s the best fit. I think it should have happened a long time ago but nothing happens before its time.
“Phil is a very good coach. You can see what he has done to Ireland cricket, the Irish guys respect him a lot.
“He’ll get the support and the backing that he needs from the people who are in charge here who hired him so he can be able to actually fulfil his job to the best of his ability,” said Bravo, who was removed as captain and dropped from the WI One Day International team since the ill-fated tour of India in October.
“I look forward to playing under him. I don’t know when that will be but I’m still available to represent the West Indies team. I think things will change under his leadership with his attitude and the guys respect him a lot. It’s a good decision and I’m happy.”
Asked if he will consider making a return to the Test arena, after announcing his retirement earlier this year, Bravo said, “I already thinking of reconsidering it, but I’ll more look to 2016 to make a return to the longer form of the game.
“Now it’s official that Simmons is going to be the coach, definitely maybe 2016 I’ll try to get back involved in the longer format and then see how it goes.”
Also endorsing Simmons’ appointment was fellow all-rounder Pollard who, like Bravo, has not been selected on the WI ODI team since the India tour saga.
“He has done well for Ireland,” Pollard said. “He has been successful in Ireland. (I) want to wish him all the best when he comes to the Caribbean. I’m sure he wants to do well so I wish him all the success.”
Bravo and Pollard were speaking following the announcement of a deal between the CPL and Caribbean Airlines, at the Caribbean Airlines Head Office, Golden Grove Road, Piarco.
Bravo, who will be involved in the 2015 Indian Premier League (IPL) with Chennai Super Kings is expecting another a good season with his club.
“I expect Chennai Super Kings to finish in the top four, as we have been doing for the last seven years,” he said. “Hopefully, the top four guaranteed for the Champions League and hopefully a final again.
“We lost in the final of the last IPL but it’s going to be tough. The IPL is a very tough tournament but, at the same time, the Chennai Super Kings is a very good team. We know what we’re about on the field and every player knows their role. The top four and then we’ll take it from there.”
Concerning the WI performance at the World Cup, a modest Pollard said, “they blew a bit hot and cold but it is what it is. They’re out now so I guess it’s about building for 2019.”
Pollard admitted that he has enjoyed the time away from the game since returning from the T20 series against South Africa in January.
“I’ve enjoyed my time at home,” he said. “I got the opportunity to play Carnival (and) club cricket. I got to train and play one game for Trinidad (and Tobago Red Force) and I’m looking forward to travelling to India and starting IPL.”
Pollard plays for Mumbai Indians in the IPL and he pointed out, “next week I’m leaving for India.
The expectations are always to win. I think we have a couple new guys coming into the team so I look forward to that and, hopefully, it can be a successful campaign.”(Trinidad Newsday)