CHITTAGONG – West Indies opener Lendl Simmons is seeking to take his good form from the just concluded One-Day series into the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh.
The 26-year-old has been drafted into the Test squad as a replacement for Adrian Barath, who has not recovered from a hamstring injury.
Simmons batted brilliantly with knocks of 102 and 80 in the One-Day Series which the Windies won 2-1 .
“I’m happy to be called into the Test squad. It’s a good opportunity for me. It comes at a very good time as I’m in good form with the bat. I’m playing very well and feeling quite comfortable and confident.
“I had a good ODI Series so the aim is to kick on and get some big scores in the Test Series as well,” he said after yesterday’s indoor training session.
Simmons said it was another chance for him to look to cement a spot.
“It’s a matter of concentrating hard. When I get a start I know I have to look to build on that and make the most of every opportunity. I have made some big scores at first-class level so I know that in the long version of the game you have to be patient and build a foundation,” he added.
“Facing the new ball at this level is always a challenge but at this stage in my career I believe I am more mature and better able to handle the pressure situations.
“The main job is to assess the pitch, the conditions and the bowlers from early and look to get a start. After that you have to look to build and capitalise on those good starts. Test cricket gives you the opportunity and allows you the time to do just that,” he added.
The first Test starts tomorrow at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (11:30 p.m. tonight Eastern Caribbean Time/10:30 p.m. Jamaica Time).
Meanwhile, all five One-Day Internationals between West Indies and India starting next month will be day-night affairs, the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) said on Tuesday.
West Indies will open the series in Cuttack on November 29 before travelling to Vishakhapatnam for the second ODI four days later.
The remaining matches will be played in Ahmedabad (December 5), Indore (December 8) and Chennai (December 11).
West Indies will also play three Tests in the build up to the one-day series, with matches slated for Delhi from November 6-10, Kolkata from November 14-18 and Mumbai from November 22-26. (EZS/CMC)
