Dejected Simmons planning to fight his way back

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Young West Indies all-rounder Lendl Simmons says he is disappointed at being left out of the West Indies senior and A team squads but is determined to fight his way back into the selectors’ frame.

The 25-year-old was a surprising omission from the World Twenty20 Champion-ship squad and his absence from the A team to face Zimbabwe was even more startling.
“I am very disappointed with the fact I have not been selected for the World Cup. I am taking it in stride and just continuing my hard work in the nets,” said the right-hander who also bowls decent medium pace.

Simmons was one of the stand outs at the World T20 Championships in England last year when he scored 150 runs at an average of 30, with a top score of 77.

He also took six wickets at an average of 9.16 with a best of four for 19. He finished with a handy economy rate of six runs an over to top it off.

Simmons said he was yet to be informed of his status as he had had no communication with anyone in authority.

“Currently I don’t know what my position in West Indies cricket is,” he lamented.
“I noticed that they have selected an A team and I was also overlooked. No one has told me my position at present within the set up of West Indies cricket.”

He stressed: “At present I remain very committed to West Indies cricket and I am looking to work hard to get back into the regional team. I think I have a contribution to make towards West Indies cricket and I don’t intend to take my opportunities for granted.

“For the moment it is really back to the nets, working as hard as I can and whenever an opportunity comes my way, I will be looking to grasp it with both hands.”

Simmons has played three Tests and 16 One-Day Internationals since making his Windies debut four years ago.