Cricket is set to return on the field after a long three months of hiatus due to COVID 19 pandemic. WI coach Phil Simmons urges players to stay mentally fit ahead of the 1st Test match against England. West Indies coach Phil Simmons wants to take inspiration from Headingley Test 2017 ahead of the 1st Test vs England. WI suffered a heavy loss in the first Test in 2017 against England. But, they managed to make a stunning comeback in the second Test. Simmons is advising his players to take inspiration from that scenario.

West Indies Coach Phil Simmons Wants To Take Inspiration From Headingley Test 2017 Ahead of The 1st Test vs England

Although this is the first Test after COVID 19 pandemic, this Test series is important for the Windies team. The reason is they’re underperforming in Test matches for a long period. As a result, WI head coach Phil Simmons wants to do good in the Test series. He knows batsmen cannot make errors this time. That’s why he advised them to be fit mentally and take mental preparation.

I think the batters have worked hard on getting to a mental stage of where they need to be because most of them have scored runs here. (Shai) Hope has got back-to-back hundreds here (in Leeds, during the 2017 series). It’s about getting to the mental stage where you are prepared for a Test match in England, because it’s different from many other places.

Simmons told to “Cricket – The Inside” webinar on Friday.

The bowling lineup of WI consists of Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas, Gabriel, etc. However, the batting lineup is not that strong. There’s a big chance they could face the worst fate in front of James Anderson, Joffrey Archer,, etc. This is why probably Simmons is extra-cautious. That’s why he knows the mentality ahead of the game is a very big thing.

The next three days will be very vital for us. The reason is we’ve to keep our mentality much stronger.

On the other hand, WI did a remarkable job against England in 2017. After they suffered a loss in the first Test, they made a stunning comeback in the second Test. Perhaps, Simmons wants to use that.

West Indies Coach Phil Simmons Wants To Take Inspiration From Headingley Test 2017 Ahead of The 1st Test vs England
Windies players with Simmons

In addition, England and West Indies will play the series in a bio-secure environment. The first Test is scheduled to be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton (July 8-12) with the second and third matches at Old Trafford in Manchester from July 16-20 and then July 24-28.