Simmons gets second stint as Windies coach

Trinidadian Phil Simmons was appointed as the head coach of the West Indies senior men's team for a period of four years yesterday

Simmons, who was controversially dismissed from the Windies coaching position after winning the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup, beat out former West Indies batsman Desmond Haynes and interim coach Floyd Reifer for the top post.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) also announced three new selection panels, for the men's, women's, girls' and the boys' teams.

The new selection panel for the men's team includes Roger Harper as lead selector along with Miles Bascombe, the women's and girl's panel includes Ann Browne-John as the lead selector and Travis Dowlin, while the boys' panel comprises Robert Haynes.

CWI president Ricky Skerritt said in a statement that Simmons was the right man chosen for the job.

"Bringing Phil Simmons back is not just righting a past wrong, but I am confident that CWI has chosen the right man for the job at the right time. I want to also thank the very talented Floyd Reifer for the hard work he put in while he was the interim coach."

CWI Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams was also pleased to have the Trinidadian at the helm.

Improvement

"I am happy, after a very robust recruitment process at the appointment of Phil to the role of head coach. I do not doubt that Phil brings the requisite leadership skills and experience needed to drive improvement across our international squads and I look forward to supporting him in the role."

Simmons will have little time to align himself with his new role as his first call of duty will be against his former team Afghanistan in a T20 and ODI series starting in early November.