By Avenash Ramzan
Cricket West Indies’ Chief Executive Officer, Johnny Grave, has confirmed Head Coach Phil Simmons was given the necessary clearance to attend the funeral of a relative in England.
Simmons left the West Indies’ bubble to attend the funeral of his father-in-law on Friday, and has been self-isolating since then in his room on-site.
He will watch the squad’s second intra-squad warm-up game from his balcony this week, and will be permitted to join back up with the group on Thursday if he returns two negative COVID-19 tests.
“Yes, of course,” Grave said when questioned whether Simmons had sought permission to leave the bubble.
“No one can leave or enter the bio-secure environment without the express permission of the on-site medical staff and must follow strict medical protocols. Phil Simmons is now going through the re-entry process, having had his whole exit and entry approved and managed by the medical teams.”
The CEO confirmed that two COVID-19 tests done on the coach came back negative.
Grave added, “People will leave the bubble for time to time, but always with prior approval from the Chief Medical Officers and with their exit and re-entry carefully managed.”
Grave cited an instance just a few days ago where a player had to visit the Dentist, and he was accompanied by Manager Rawl Lewis.
Simmons being in self-isolation means the burden will fall on assistant coaches Roddy Estwick and Rayon Griffith ahead of the four-day, first-class fixture that starts on Monday, with Floyd Reifer helping out as batting coach.
West Indies are preparing to face England in three Test matches at bio-secure venues behind closed doors, with the first match starting July 8.
