Positions not guaranteed in Test squad – Coach Simmons

By Brandon Corlette

While the Caribbean’s Test squad is yet to be announced, West Indies are currently in St Lucia preparing for the upcoming South Africa Series that will bowl off on June 10 with an exciting Test match.
The men in maroon will play a Best v Best 4-Day match from May 31. According to West Indies Head Coach Phil Simmons, he is hoping that in the Best v Best match, players can push each other for positions in the final Test squad.

“Yes, we had four good Test matches, but people should know that, at the same time, there position is not guaranteed unless they continue to play well; and guys who are out need to show that they want to get back in,” Simmons told CWI media.
Recently, Jamaican fast-bowler Marquino Mindley returned a positive COVID-19 result, and as a result, the players were required to train in small groups after returning negative tests. Since then, Simmons said, the camp was unsettled during the week, but it was back to normal.
“The small groups have gone well, and in the small groups, we can push guys a little bit more; and it turned out to be well, especially the facilities that have been given here. It’s been great,” Simmons said.
West Indies hit their best Test ranking, number six, since 2013 after a series win in Bangladesh and a drawn series against Sri Lanka.

The South Africans, who are one slot below West Indies on the rankings, are in transition process, but the squad features some big players and the series will be evenly contested.
This current West Indies team looks settled, but the biggest issue is who would be the opening partner of Kraigg Brathwaite. John Campbell has been the struggling opener, but according to CWI selectors, it is not the end of the road for Campbell, who is also included in the 30-man training squad.

One selector indicated that not enough openers are knocking down the doors regionally, hence Campbell’s extended run.
West Indies’ most consistent One-Day International batsman, Shai Hope, has struggled in the Test format, but he was also seen in the 30-man camp. Hope, the returning Kieran Powell or Sheyne Moseley (specialist opener) might be options at the top of the order.
CWI HIGH-PERFORMANCE 30-MAN TRAINING SQUAD: Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Keron Cottoy, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Keon Harding, Jahmar Hamilton, Kavem Hodge, Chemar Holder, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Preston McSween, Marquino Mindley, Shayne Moseley, Paul Palmer, Veerasammy Permaul, Anderson Phillip, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer, Jayden Seales, Nial Smith, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr. and Jomel Warrican.

West Indies first Test against South Africa is set to bowl off on June 10, while the second Test is set for June 18.