Bridgetown, Barbados – Lendl Simmons says he feels like a new and improved cricketer since he last played for the West Indies a year ago. The 26-year-old allrounder was speaking during the Windies camp at the 3Ws Oval as they stepped up preparations for the Digicel Series against Pakistan.
Lendl Simmons last played for West Indies in February of 2011 against Australia. Photo courtesy of Windiescricket.com
The three-dimensional player – who has batted at the top of the order, bowled with distinction and kept wicket at the international level, has been showing great commitment and attention to detail ahead of the Digicel T20 International at the Beausejour Stadium in St Lucia on Thursday.
“I see myself as a more mature player and I’m putting a lot more thought into my preparation for games and when I go onto the field of play as well,” said the 26-year-old.
“It feels really great to be back in the West Indies team set-up and among the players again as we look forward to facing Pakistan. I was away for a year and in that period I had a lot of time to reflect and analyze my game. I am happy to be back and I believe I am mentally stronger.”
Simmons last played for the West Indies in the limited-overs series in Australia in February, 2011. Since then he let his bat do the talking and played well for Trinidad and Tobago in all three formats of the game to earn a recall to the international side.
“I believe I can make a major contribution to the team in the upcoming T20 as well as in the One-Day Series and I will be looking to move on from there. I am in good form as we get ready to go over to St Lucia and I want to take that form into the series. I am batting with a lot more maturity and I am looking forward to making everyone proud.”
He added: “I am totally focussed on what I have to do and I am looking to stay in control of the things I have control over. No matter what I’m asked to do I am willing to do it for the team and look to make a contribution to the team’s success.”