Simmons praises skipper Braithwaite and Roach for their contribution on and off the field

After their massive win against England in the summer, the West Indies team went on to beat Bangladesh by 7 wickets in the 1st test of the series. Captain Kraigg Braithwaite played a brilliant knock of 94 runs in the first innings while the veteran Kemar Roach picked up 7 wickets to help the team beat Bangla tigers. Thus, praises are coming from all across the globe and the head coach of the West Indies team, Phil Simmons expressed how this duo is helping the West Indies team grow.

“I think there is not much to say because everybody has seen his (Braithwaite) determination and his unique style”, Simmons said. The head coach added, “He doesn't have a problem being in there for five days and doing his job which is unique because a lot of batsmen nowadays want to play shots and be done with it. But from his point of view, he wants to be there all the time for his team and that rolls into the captaincy”.

Speaking about his captaincy skill, he added, “(He) is not loud, but the players know what he wants and in his unique way he makes them understand this is what I want from you and he seems to be growing in the role as we go along and more decisions that he is making, he has been great”.

Veteran pacer Kemar Roach who was very inconsistent in his earlier days have once again gained momentum. His impact on and off the field has made a difference in the squad and the head coach totally agrees with that. “He (Roach) has been excellent. He is just taking things to the next level. In the dressing room he is always leading the youngsters and letting them know what has to be done to get the way he is because it's a long way for some of them who haven't played many Test matches”.

The coach added, “He played 70-odd Test matches and he is educating them off the field as much as on the field so it's great to have him in the dressing room”.

The Caribbean’s are scheduled to face Bangladesh for the 2nd test of the series from 24th June at Gros Islet, St. Lucia. They are expected to win the 2nd test as well as they are once again making a comeback as a formidable test side!