'He is just taking things to the next level'- Phil Simmons heaps praise on ‘leader’ Kemar Roach

There has been a sort of resurgence in West Indian red-ball cricket, given a couple of positive results in the past three months. Kraigg Braithwaite and Co. claimed a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first of the two-match Test series. West Indies head coach, Phil Simmons was full of praise for the dynamics forming within the Test side.

Veteran pacer, Kemar Roach has thoroughly justified the tag of being a senior pro in the Test side. The 33-year-old was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ in the first Test against Bangladesh, picking up seven wickets in two innings. Kemar Roach picked a five-wicket haul in the second innings, which proved pivotal in deciding the outcome of the game.

Phil Simmons lavished praise on Kemar Roach for being a leader, on and off the field. Simmons stated that the pacer has taken things to a whole different level, via his leadership traits.

"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,” said Simmons.

"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," Simmons added.

Phil Simmons reiterated the fact that the Test side has been boosted by the series win over England, back in March. The 59-year-old believes that his side have been playing with more confidence, and there is more clarity in terms of individual roles.

"It's just that guys are getting confidence in what they are doing. The more confidence they get, the easier it is to do your job and perform your role for the team. There is a lot of confidence after winning the series against England not too long ago so confidence is there and it shows," Simmons said.

The second Test against Bangladesh commences on Friday, as the hosts look to wrap up the two-match series. A win could mark their second consecutive Test series triumph, something which has been pretty uncommon in the past few years.