‘England are still dangerous despite missing Broad and Anderson’, says West Indies coach Phil Simmons

West Indies coach Phil Simmons has said that they won’t take the English bowling attack devoid of James Anderson and Stuart Broad lightly as their bowling unit still has young and crafty bowlers. Simmons has stressed on the fact that although England don’t have both their stalwarts Broad and Anderson this time, the English bowling attack can’t be underestimated as it is composed of very talented young individuals who are raring to make their mark in international cricket.

“Everyone keeps harping on about the fact that there’s no Broad, no Anderson. Yes, England might not have the experience, but they have young fellas who are hungry to make their name”, Simmons said in a news conference. “That is something that you have to guard against. For me, you can’t be saying ‘that’s a big advantage’ because then you tend to get complacent and you get found out. There’s still some quality bowlers in there who we have to bat against”, he further added. 

Talking about the strategies of the West Indies ahead of the first test in Antigua starting today, Simmons has hoped for some good opening partnerships from Kraig Brathwaite and John Campbell this time, which in turn would decrease the pressure off the middle order batters. Both Brathwaite and Campbell played extremely well the last time West Indies faced England at home and thus were instrumental in the impressive performance from the ‘men in maroon’ in that series. 

“I think the last time we beat England, the opening pair was Kraigg and Campbell, so let’s hope that’s a good omen for us”, he said. “We have been talking about getting a good start and making sure that we don’t leave it for the middle and lower order”, he further added.

He also provided an update on Shannon Gabriel, who was excluded from the initial squad owing to a hamstring injury, but has since trained with the team. Simmons said that Gabriel is progressing well and had some good outings in the nets. He informed them that they will see how Gabriel goes in the next four or five days and decide whether to include him in the second Test or not.