Simmons plans new batting approach

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons says a holistic approach is needed to change the fortunes of the team.

This, he says, includes the early introduction of mental skills training as one of the solutions to the team's poor showing with the bat at the international level.

The West Indies had a 2-1 loss to Ireland in the one-day international series earlier this week, caused by poor batting and failing to bat their allotted 50 overs in any of the encounters.

Before the Ireland series, the West Indies also did not win a game in the three Twenty20 Internationals away to Pakistan. Before that, the Test team succumbed to Sri Lanka in the two-Test series in Galle.

Simmons highlighted that preparation is not to be blamed for the team's poor form, saying he and his staff have done everything they can to get the team ready for competition.

"It is there to see," he said. "Our batting quality is not there. Our thinking when we are batting is not there. I can't help them when they cross the rope. Everything is being done on the other side of the rope to help them to be ready for the game. It's about them understanding that situation."

That situation Simmons alludes to is game awareness, where players need to be better at accessing situations and playing accordingly.

"You watch all around and see the difference," he said. "If you are 20 for three, you play differently than if you are 40 for none at the end of six overs. These are the little situations we need to highlight and win, then that will help us to win more games."

When asked if the mental aspect of the team's preparation needs to be addressed, Simmons said it is something that should be implemented early and not just at the international level.

"I think it is something we have to get back to and to try and implement, not just at this level, but a lot lower than when they come here," he said. "Sometimes when you come here, you are set in a way mentally and we need to address that from the lower levels. A holistic approach needs to happen all through the ranks."