West Indies were not consistent enough in the series: Coach Phil Simmons

Port of Spain, Aug 23: West Indies' coach Phil Simmons says his side could play well only in patches in the just-concluded series against India and that was a major factor in their 2-0 defeat.

(Saha, Ashwin biggest positives from West Indies: Kohli)

"I think the series was a little bit too up and down. We played well across two and three hours sometimes, and the next two hours we will be down. I think that was the major disappointment. We showed that we could do things but not consistently enough," Simmons said after the fourth Test ended in a draw due to wash out.

"We batted well in Jamaica, but we went and did the same things in the first and third Test. For that, it's disappointing that we weren't consistent enough."

Talking about the defeat margin, he said, "I think that we should have been 1-0. I don't think we should have lost the game in St Lucia. For me, it should have been 1-0. At the beginning of the series when you look at the experience of the two teams, you would've taken it."

Simmons also expressed surprise that no play was possible on four days in the fourth Test against India. (R Ashwin breaks Sachin Tendulkar's record in Test cricket)

"Extremely surprised (with the lack of play). As far as I know, in my years, Trinidad has never been a ground like that. I don't know what is the position on the other side but it was really bad. After two days of sun, when I saw it yesterday morning, I couldn't believe how bad it was. I don't know what the position is and what caused that, but I'm surprised and never expected that here," said Simmons.

The coach urged the seniors as well as the youngster to shape up before the Pakistan series in the UAE.

(4th Test ends in a draw after rain plays spoilsport, India win series 2-0)

"Roston Chase and Shane Dowrich are pushing Marlon Samuels. When you have people pushing you from outside, you either get pushed out or you lift your game. So, I think it's a case where you have youngsters pushing him now, and it's good for the team.

"It is the same thing with Shannon Gabriel and a few young fast bowlers coming out. You need that second team that's up to the standard to push people so that they continue to produce. The great West Indies team had it, the great Australia team had that, so that's what we need here," the coach signed off.

PTI