Simmons delighted to prove Graves wrong
West Indies coach Phil Simmons was not overly obnoxious after his side's win over England in the third Test inside three days, but did enjoy being able to take a swipe back at ECB chairman Colin Graves.
With the series drawn, Simmons had the room to reflect on the fact that Graves had called the Windies 'mediocre' before the series began, and said that England had no option but to win the series.
Simmons said with glee after the five-wicket win in Barbados on Sunday: "Let him decide that (whether the Windies are mediocre) now, I'll leave that for him to judge."
One a more serious note, Simmons was over the moon for his players, who had fought hard over the three games, despite losing the second match by a big margin. He was impressed with the way his bowlers fought back after the batsmen were out for 189 in the first innings, removing England for 123.
He continued: "I can't say about [what it means for] West Indies cricket in general but I know for the Test team it’s been huge because the guys have worked hard for the last four weeks.
"To have played so well in Antigua and Grenada and not come out with anything, you saw the determination of the guys, especially the bowlers, to come out of this with something so it’s huge for us.
"That’s the biggest thing I can take from it that everybody showed character because for the bowlers to bowl out England for such a low score in the second innings, just shows massive character coming out at this early stage of my tenure so it’s great for me to see."
Simmons also predicted that England coach Peter Moores would not have a happy time of it in the coming days, given the difference in their Test rankings: "I suppose the criticism will come because the media will see it as number three playing number eight.
"I think we were [underestimated] by the media and Colin Graves’ statement showed it that there was an underestimation of what we can do.
"I don't think it was done by the [England] team but he’s going to come into that sort of criticism because it’s number three playing number eight."
Latest
-
NewsCraig Overton claims 400th first-class wicket in Somerset-Hampshire clash
The England seamer’s three-wicket burst left the contest delicately balanced at the halfway stage.
-
NewsThree positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
NewsZak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
NewsMark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
NewsMcCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
NewsEffects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
NewsBen Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
NewsJofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
NewsEngland bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.
-
NewsPaul Farbrace: Che Simmons may play for England after signing Warwickshire deal
The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract.