Simmons backs bowlers; calls for batsmen to step up

Phil Simmons, the West Indies coach, addressed the media at the end of the second day's play in Kingston, Jamaica. Excerpts from the press conference:

Moderately satisfactory day for bowlers?
 
You actually assessed it for me. I think it's a lot better. Usually you average a day to be 270 in Test cricket with 90 full overs and we have restricted them, especially with Rahul going the way he was and then the skipper later. Restricting them to 230 in 90 overs shows there's improvement from Antigua.

Going forward..

The only thing we can do is to come tomorrow again and work hard to get the wickets that we have to. And then the batsmen have got to stand up because the bowlers have stood up today and hopefully they will stand up again tomorrow morning and we get the wickets we need. It's up to the batsmen to stand up now.

Cummins' injury..

He had a lot of cramps today. I can't tell you why because he I'm not a doctor. But yeah we basically played with two quicks today. Hopefully he will be better tomorrow and do his job.

Special plans against Kohli?

We have plans for everybody, to get their wickets and stop them scoring. We got him cheaply this time which is good for us. But we have plans for every batsman so it's about how we execute what plans we have for them.

India spinners will be a threat again?
 
It's definite. Ashwin is No.1 bowler in the world. He is going to be difficult on any wicket you play him on, let alone a wicket that's turning and some bounce too. It's going to be difficult but that's what Test cricket is about. If it's not difficult it won't be called Test cricket. The batsmen know that they have to come and make sure that they put their heads down and they have to work hard against both spinners.

Disappointed with the batsmen's performance?

Batsmen are supposed to bat. I didn't think there was any threat in the wicket yesterday. So I would bat first bat again.

New ball not taken for some time...

I haven't spoken with the captain so I don't know.

What did the players learn?

I think they learned today what we have been talking about for the last six months, about being patient in Test cricket. And when the wicket isn't assisting like this one, you have to be patient and then the pressure that you build from patience will get you wickets. I think what I have learned (is) that they are listening sometimes. I hope they are listening all the time. They are seeking the patience now, they are trying to hold these world class batsmen.

Kraigg Brathwaite as a spinner..

I never had six-for in test cricket and I was considered a seamer so I would consider him a spinner.

Rain for the next few days..

I don't think we need them yet. I will tell you on the fourth day if we need it on fifth day. The wicket is still playing very well so it's up to the batsmen to get their heads down and get some runs.