My experience of playing at the Wankhede helped me: Lendl Simmons

LENDL SIMMONS’ innings of 83 yesterday against the Indians in the semis was one of the highlights of the tournament. Nursing an injury, the Windies batsman wasn’t even a part of the original touring party but was surprisingly roped into play the crucial semi. And, the Trinidadian came up with a blazing innings and in the process broke many hearts at the Wankhede. 

As reported by IANS, Simmons said, 

"I got the news after Afghanistan game. The chairman called and told if I was fit to go and play the match and said yes, I was and to play the match. I was about to get ready on Friday and come to Mumbai for the IPL. I saw an opportunity to get ready for IPL as well. This is my home ground, I read the conditions well and think I read it well. Yes IPL helped me very well.”

Chasing a daunting score well past 190, Simmons knew that he had to shoulder the innings and after Gayle’s early dismissal, it was upon him to anchor the innings. 

“When I went out to bat, I had clean in my mind what I had to do, because the game was early and we had a target to chase. So before the game I was a bit nervous. And I was in a bit pressure as I came here for a job. We got to chase the target and it was good." 

The Windies are into their second World T20 finals and will play England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday. 
Speaking about the big match, Simmons said, 

"I think we shouldn't be over confident. On the day which team plays better. We have to go to Kolkata and analyse the situation and game when that comes. The requirement will be different, won't be a batting track like this."