West Indies might be in a tough position in the second Test against India but their coach Phil Simmons feels that the bowling has improved. The coach said that restricting the Indian batsmen for 230 runs in 90 overs shows that the bowling has improved compared to the first Test. Simmons interacted with the media after the day’s play and spoke on various topics ranging from his team’s plans for the third day, Indian spinners and much more.
Excerpts:
On whether the bowling performance was satisfactory today:
I think it’s a lot better. Usually, you average a day to be 270 in Test cricket with 90 full overs and we have restricted them, especially with Rahul going the way he was and then the skipper later. Restricting them to 230 in 90 overs shows there’s improvement from Antigua.
On the team’s plans for the remainder of the match:
The only thing we can do is to come tomorrow again and work hard to get the wickets that we have to. And then the batsmen have got to stand up because the bowlers have stood up today and hopefully they will stand up again tomorrow morning and we get the wickets we need. It’s up to the batsmen to stand up now.
On Miguel Cummins’ injury:
He had a lot of cramps today. I can’t tell you why because he I’m not a doctor. But yeah we basically played with two quicks today. Hopefully, he will be better tomorrow and do his job.
on whether the India spinners will possess a serious threat again:
It’s definite. Ashwin is No.1 bowler in the world. He is going to be difficult on any wicket you play him on, let alone a wicket that’s turning and some bounce too. It’s going to be difficult but that’s what Test cricket is about. If it’s not difficult it won’t be called Test cricket. The batsmen know that they have to come and make sure that they put their heads down and they have to work hard against both spinners.
On the rain prediction for the next few days:
I don’t think we need them yet. I will tell you on the fourth day if we need it on the fifth day. The wicket is still playing very well so it’s up to the batsmen to get their heads down and get some runs.