World Champions are favourites for the Tri-nation series – Simmons

BY RENE STOBY

World Champions Australia have been given the “favourites” tag when the Tri-Nation series also involving the West Indies and South Africa bowls off at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence on Friday. This is

according to Head coach of the West Indies team Phil Simmons who said, “The number one ranked team (Australia) going into the tournament has to be the favourites.” He was, however, quick to point out that West Indies weren’t favourites at their successful World T20 in India recently and they will play the way they see it.

The hard working coach was speaking to journalists at Providence prior to his team’s first practice session since arriving in Guyana.

At Tuesday’s training session, the former West Indian all rounder said that the team intends to work more on accumulating singles since, as a team the West Indies do not get as much as they would like to. He also revealed that the team may not have a home advantage as it has been a while since they last played here (In Guyana) but expects a good wicket, a great outfield, some good performances and the support of the crowd.

When quizzed on his interpretation of a “good wicket” the Trinidadian said “a good wicket is one that everyone can bat and bowl on and one that gives good scores for the people to watch.”

Simmons also said that Sunil Narine, fresh from a remodeled action will play an important role along with the other spinners, “he is as important to KKR as he is to West Indies given the fact that he along with Ashley Nurse and Suleiman Benn can get wickets in the middle and that’s what the team needs.”

The Tri-nation series begin on Friday when West Indies take on South Africa in a day/night 50 Overs a-side match from 13:00 Hrs