West Indies say Simmons job safe despite calls for sacking

Friday, 3 July 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters): Cricket West Indies (CWI) have said head coach Phil Simmons’ job is safe despite the Barbados association’s chief demanding his “immediate removal” after attending a funeral in England.

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons during nets Action Images via Reuters

Simmons is self-isolating in his on-site hotel room at Old Trafford after attending his father-in-law’s funeral on Friday.

The CWI had said on Sunday Trinidadian Simmons was granted permission prior to the start of the tour but Barbados Cricket Association chief Conde Riley said it had been “inconsiderate and reckless” to attend the funeral amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I want to assure West Indies cricket fans that Phil Simmons still has the full backing of CWI, no matter what has been said,” CWI President Ricky Skerritt said on Wednesday.

“When all is said and done, Phil’s job is not in any way threatened by that letter.

“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.” Simmons has already cleared two COVID-19 tests and can rejoin the squad if he tests negative in a third conducted on Wednesday.

The 57-year-old said it was important for him to be with his family and that it would not affect the squad’s preparations for the three-tests series beginning in Southampton on Wednesday.

“It won’t disrupt us. It will just make us a little stronger going into the test series,” he said.