Bravo waiting on Simmons' fitness

Lendl Simmons' absence was the only cause of concern for the West Indies' camp in a clinical performance against India in the first ODI, in Kochi, two days ago. Ahead of the second ODI, in Delhi, captain Dwayne Bravo was hoping to have Simmons back in action soon, but said the team will not rush his return.

"Lendl Simmons is still struggling with his back and we are giving him as much time as possible to recover. He is a key member of our squad and he has a lot of bearing to the balance of the team," Bravo said. "Hopefully he is fit to play. If not, we have to see what else we can try and do to our top order."

Simmons hurt his back during the West Indies' first warm-up game, against India A in Mumbai on October 3. Despite the presence of Leon Johnson in the squad as a reserve opener, the West Indies team management preferred to let their captain partner Dwayne Smith at the top of the order in Kochi. Bravo was noncommittal on whether the same strategy will be adopted in Delhi, should Simmons not play.

"Opening is a difficult position but at the same time it is a big opportunity for a lot of players to grab that spot. I took the responsibility to open in the first game but I am not sure where I am going to bat in tomorrow's game. I would love to see Simmons get fit as quickly as possible, which will do good for us."

The opening ODI was played under the shadow of a possible West Indies players strike over a dispute relating to player payments. Though the team agreed to take the field only on the morning of the match, their game showed no signs of being affected - even without two of their key players being present; Chris Gayle is recovering from a lower back injury, and Sunil Narine was withdrawn from the series after his action came under the scanner during the Champions League T20.

Bravo, who didn't entertain questions related to the payment dispute, was delighted to see his team putting up such a solid performance despite having their backs to the wall. "It is a great feeling to go one-nil up against the world champs, especially without guys like Chris and Sunil," he said. "But there have been times when we have started [series] well but not finished to our potential. We have set ourselves a standard, now that we have got a good start, and we have to make sure we maintain it. This is going to be our biggest test."

With a view to help West Indies rebuild into the force they were in the 1970s and '80s, the WICB has roped in former captains Richie Richardson and Clive Lloyd - as team manager and chief selector, respectively - and fast bowling legend Curtly Ambrose, as the bowing coach. Bravo admitted that their presence has had a positive impact on the team. "It is good to have legends like Clive Lloyd, Curtly Ambrose or Richie Richardson involved with the team. Curtly Ambrose brings a different energy and an attitude in the team. The players really respect him and look up to him. I have grown up watching these legends and it is good to have them around where players can go to them and get some advice.

"The good thing is that the team is sticking together and supporting each other well. We have a must-win attitude, and we have a support staff that brings in a great positive energy to the dressing room.