Head coach Phil Simmons has pointed to a culture change taking place in the West Indies Test set-up, which is being driven by the arrival of new players with improved attitudes and the character necessary to excel in the international arena.

Speaking moments after West Indies completed the fifth-highest run chase in history to stun Bangladesh by three wickets in the opening Test, Simmons praised the side’s inexperienced players for the commitment shown in recent Tests.

Kyle Mayers struck an unbeaten 210, and fellow debutant Nkrumah Bonner stroked 86, his maiden Test half-century, as the pair put on 216 for the fourth wicket to spearhead the successful chase of 395 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

“The guys went about it in a way that even I, during the day, couldn’t believe these were guys making their debut,” Simmons said.

“And I must say, there are a lot of changes happening. We had two guys (Chemar Holder and Joshua Da Silva) who made their debuts in the last Test we played [against New Zealand] and showed the attitudes we want in this team, and then we have three guys here now making their debut and showing the attitude we want.

Read more at the Jamaica Gleaner

In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com

wow..hmmm

That having been said, what is the excuse for not including Chemar in the test squad if he was available??? If the guy has the right attitude, he could only have benefitted from being around players who also have the right attitude to wearing the maroon cap. Also, what is coach doing to improve the attitude of the other players??

More questions than answers, Phil.

In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com

According to the Head Coach... attitude of the players was the problem..the new players came into the team with right attitude...he should name the players with attitude problem...for 4-days of the test match...West Indies was behind Bangladesh... Incredible and once in a lifetime inning by Mayers made the difference...some poor catching and bad review decisions by Bangladesh aided the Windies victory...we are all very happy...but that doesn't give license to Simmons to utter words detrimental to future team spirit.....

I would like Simmons to explain what the fcuk his job is to do

Where did the players' attitude come from?
How long has he been in charge of the fellas with so called "attitude"
Whe did they develop this 'attitude"?
Whose job is it to influence attitude?

Hw has mout now with this fluke win

In reply to Onionman0

Roston Chase has looked really lazy over the last few tours, escorting balls to the boundary. His attitude has definitely irked me on more than one occasion.

It's speculation on my part admittedly, but if I had to guess I would say Simmons is referring to Chase in particular, who has been allowed to fail for 3 years with no fear of losing his place, which is bound to create complacency. Kraigg is in a similar boat but has recently shown signs of improvement.

I would love to hear who the coach is actually referring to, but I guess we'll never know.

In reply to Beamer

Never heard anyone complain about Chase's attitude he contributed with either bat and ball and was praised by Pollard for his attitude.

I am more thinking he is comparing a 31 year old Bonner with a 21 year old Hetmyer. I think the age of the new debutantes like Mayers and Bonner brings a different attitude. My attitude as a 31 year old was vastly different than when I was 21. I was infinitely more mature.

In reply to Beamer

Chase? where that come from bro?

In reply to Beamer

Almost everyone has a good attitude when they first get the job.

What's more interesting to me is who sits when the regulars come back. Surely Mayers and Bonner's places are almost secure which means Bravo, Hetmyer and Brooks will have to sit. Only Holder and Chase will make their way back IMO.

And, looks like DaSilva will keep the gloves even when Dowrich is fit again because he cannot play the short ball as good as JD.

..And, if we win the series will KB keep the captaincy?

In reply to sunfish