West Indies Coach Phil Simmons Feels 399-Run Target Can Be Chased

West Indies have made a poor start to their chase of 339-run against England in the deciding Test at Old Trafford in Manchester. But West Indies coach Phil Simmons is optimistic that he can push his side to achieve the target. He feel that the West Indies batsmen have not scored enough centuries in the series and if someone can hang in there on Day 4, it can make all the difference.

Returning to bat, after England declared their innings on 226/2, the West Indies lost John Campbell and nightwatchman Kemar Roach early as the scoreboard read 10/2. Both the wickets were picked up by Stuart Broad, who has looked on-song, throughout the last two Test matches.

Simmons said that the wicket looks still good to bat on and the West Indies have a big target to chase, which can be done if they keep determination. He also added that in the fourth day there will be a lot of time to bat.

“We haven’t had any centuries in this series so I’m always going to be putting pressure on them to go out there and get it,” Simmons told a news conference.

“The wicket is still a good wicket to bat on, so they have to set themselves a target of getting a big score on this wicket. We’ve got to show that determination to get those big scores.

“Tomorrow is only the fourth day so we’ve got a lot of time to bat,” added Simmons, ignoring the weather forecast that suggests much of Monday’s play will be rained out.

West Indies had won the series opener in Southampton but lost the second match as the series is level at 1-1. The decider at the moment looks in favour of the Englishmen but history has seen teams rising up to the occasion and beating the odds stacked against them to win matches.