Trinidad and Tobago’s Lendl Simmons is set to join the West Indies for their crucial ICC World Twenty20 semi-final against hosts India. Simmons is expected to replace Grenadian batsman Andre Fletcher who injured his hamstring in yesterday’s six-run loss to Afghanistan.

The right-handed Simmons was initally named in the Windies World Cup squad but was one of many Trinidadians (Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo and Kieron Pollard) who pulled out for various reasons.

Simmons had cited a back injury for withdrawing from the squad but has recovered enough to boost the regional side.

Read more at Trinidad Newsday

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In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com

What on earth is this?

In reply to nick2020

I don't think the injury was that bad, he probably just didn't want to play in the first place. Why didn't he miss the first game or two and get fit instead of going back to Trinidad? I don't get these guys

In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com

Big blow. Fletcher was looking good.

wonder what his frequent flyer miles looks like?

No need for a replacement at this stage ,you have back up players up there

In reply to bimbo

Fletcher was playing great, so unfortunate but Simmons is not a bad replacement, actually he was first choice, hopefully he will fit in quickly and effectively.

In reply to Slipfeeler

Mumbai is Simmons home grouND in IPL plus he's a good player of spin

Timely replacement

In reply to cricketfreak

Which back up players? Johnson Charles? Denesh Ramdin? Neither have scored much, so the appearance of Lendl Simmons would be more than useful, especially if Fletcher is not fit....

Wonder if they could have brought in Baby Brabits...

In reply to nick2020

He wants to be fit and ready for the IPL, these boys know which side their bread is buttered....

Looks like uncle Phil tipped him off early

Good replacement...need a solid man in the middle order..Simmo brings a lot to the table

In reply to Larr Pullo

lol. Are you referring to Paint? You've got to be kidding me. Is he good at strike rotation?

In reply to jballer84

Him talking bout Lil Bravo, but him forgetting the Venezuelan connection.

Or is it Colombian?

Is this really true?

Any confirmation by WICB?

To be practical, after Simmons makes his way half way across the globe, just to arrive in time for the start of the match on Thursday, what kind of shape will he be in?

Don't think the man has lifted a bat in anger since the PCL.

I guess he'll deal in pure boundaries, with running between the wickets being ill-afforded luxuries.

In reply to Drapsey

he's an experienced fete match player,he doin that easy..batting drunk or hungover too..

Go Simmo!!

In reply to Drapsey

You think he would arrive for IPL unfit. I would expect him to have been working out whilst managing his back problem.

Uncle Phil must have had a conversation with him before the call up.

What I worry about is he is not in match shape. If we play him and he fails the criticism will fly.

In reply to Drapsey

So the most apt replacement possible for Fletcher then

In reply to Drapsey

PCL? I don't think Simmons plays four-day cricket any more....

His last competitive match was in the Pakistan T20s on Feb 20

In reply to mikesiva

Charles gives consistent good starts can't compare him to Ramdin.

This can be a good omen,Simmo can be a game changer on any given day,hope it's a given day..

In reply to bravos

Lendl is well versed with the Mumbai conditions. A valuable addition!

In reply to Khaga

!!!

Basically this is the same tactic Pollard using. He like Simmo was basically resting in preparation for the IPL. Notice WI players are normally not sick for the IPL. The are taking WI for a dolly house. Simmo is a good player but team should have used the young opener or Holder.