Head Coach aims for West Indies to be unbeaten in all Tests in this year - Simmons

Kraigg Brathwaite made a match-winning 94 against Bangladesh in Antigua • Randy Brooks/AFP via Getty Images

West Indies Head Coach Phil Simmons heaps praise on test captain Kraigg Brathwaite for his outstanding work with the team, proclaiming that he believes the West Indies can win all five Tests in this year.

Bangladesh were recently beaten by seven wickets in their first test against the West Indies in Antigua.

West Indies are now bursting ahead confidently with head coach Phil Simmons wanting his team to continue this progress for the rest of the World Test Championship cycle.

The captain Kraigg Brathwaite has been a significant factor in West Indies' rise in the last 18 months. He made the highest score (94) across all four innings in the Antigua Test against Bangladesh and, according to his coach, is constantly getting better as both a player and a leader.

"Everyone has seen [Brathwaite's] determination," Simmons said. "His unique style. He doesn't have a problem doing his job for five days. It is unique because a lot of batsmen nowadays like to play shots and be done with it.

"From his point of view, he wants to be there for the team. That rolls into the captaincy. He is not loud but the players know what he wants. He makes them understand in his unique way. He seems to be growing in the role."

With their victory on Sunday, West Indies have now won three of their eight World Test Championship matches and are unbeaten in their last four Tests.

"We started 2021 in the same way," Simmons said. "We won two in Bangladesh, and drew two against Sri Lanka. It is about how we go forward from here. I want to be unbeaten in all five Tests in this year. That would be good for me. Guys are getting confident in what they are doing. It makes your job and role easier the more confidence you have. It has happened especially after winning the series against England not too long ago. The confidence showed."

Kemar Roach too contributed heavily in the Antigua win, after nearly missing the game. The 33-year old fast bowler had to clear a last-minute fitness test to make himself available for selection, and once he did, he terrorised the Bangladesh batting line-up, finishing with match figures of 7 for 74 and equalling Michael Holding's tally of 249 Test wickets.

(ESPN Cric Info, CWI)