Phil Simmons is to step down from his role as the West Indies head coach. It follows a dismal T20 World Cup for the West Indies, where they failed to reach the tournament’s Super 12 stage in Australia following defeats against Scotland and Ireland.
Cricket West Indies said that Simmons’ final assignment will be the two-Test series against Australia from 30 November to 12 December.
“I acknowledge that it’s not just the team that is hurting, but the proud nations we represent as well,” Simmons said in a statement.
“It’s disappointing and heart-wrenching, but we just didn’t turn up. We weren’t good enough, and we now have to watch a tournament play out without our involvement. It’s unfathomable, and for that I deeply apologise to our fans and followers.”
Simmons said he had enjoyed “aspects” of the “unique challenge” of being West Indies coach, but that he had been considering stepping down before the World Cup disappointment.
“From a personal perspective this is not a knee-jerk reaction, but a move I have been considering for some time and now is the time to make public that I will step down as West Indies head coach at the end of the Test series against Australia,” Simmons said.
“It is earlier than hoped for, but I will now focus my energies in Australia on continuing to build on the excellent progress the Test team has made.”