Simmons set to be new Windies coach

Bridgetown, Feb 20: Former West Indies all-rounder Phil Simmons is to be appointed the new head coach of the embattled Caribbean cricket side and is set to take over following the World Cup. A source with intimate knowledge of the recruitment and selection process confirmed to CMC that Simmons’ appointment was virtually “a done deal”, and would formally assume duties once the ongoing showpiece in New Zealand and Australia wrapped up next month.

CMC understands he was one of seven candidates being considered for the post.

The 51-year-old Simmons currently serves as Ireland head coach and only last Monday inspired his side to a shock four-wicket defeat of the West Indies, in their World Cup 0opener at the Saxton Oval.

He is in his eighth year as Ireland coach, having signed a two-year contract extension in December, 2013.

Trinidadian Simmons, who has coached Zimbabwe in the past, fills the post made vacant by another former West Indies player Ottis Gibson, who parted ways with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) last August, just days prior to the start of the Bangladesh tour of the Caribbean.

Ever since, assistant coach Stuart Williams, team mager Richie Richardson and bowling coach Curtly Ambrose have assumed technical duties with the side.

Several mes, including that of South African Mickey Arthur, were last year bandied about but the WICB quashed speculation by saying that there would be no rush to fill the vacant post. IANS