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Clive Lloyd defends Phil Simmons after outburst leading to suspension as West Indies head coach

Phil Simmons had claimed in his outburst that there are outside influences in the West Indies selection matters.

Clive Lloyd said © AFP
Clive Lloyd said Phil Simmons did a good job as the West Indies head coach © AFP

The chief selector of the West Indies, Clive Lloyd said on Tuesday seemed to be defending the suspended coach Phil Simmons, who was removed from his post by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for his outburst in media over the selection policies. Simmons had claimed that there are outside influences in the West Indies selection matters, as the two cricketers, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard were deemed unfit for selection for the One-Day International (ODI) series in Sri Lanka. While Bravo has already retired from Test cricket, the all-rounder Pollard, who is a star for many Twenty20 league franchises, is yet to make his debut in the conventional format. ALSO READ: Sunil Narine recalled by West Indies for ODIs, T20Is vs Sri Lanka

According to the Jamaica Observer, Lloyd said in a media release, “It was drawn to my attention several things which were said by Head Coach of the West Indies team Phil Simmons recently as he addressed members of the media in Barbados, following the conclusion of the team’s camp, ahead of the tour of Sri Lanka.” ALSO READ: WICB President Dave Cameron silent on controversial absence of Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard

“It must be noted that in the short time that Phil has been involved as head coach, he has done a good job in building team unity and morale, and the players have warmed to his coaching methods,” he added.

The chief selector and Simmons were outgunned 2-3 in a selection meeting to decide over the future of Bravo and Pollard, as the other three members were Courtney Walsh, Courtney Browne and Eldine Baptiste. ALSO READ: Phil Simmons suspended as West Indies coach with immediate effect

Lloyd continued, “We agreed — at times — that we will have a difference of opinion, but we cannot condone such outbursts. Therefore, we will always seek discussion and dialogue at every stage of the selection process and work towards the best interest of West Indies cricket.”

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