Phil Simmons says he was racially abused when he was playing league cricket in England

West Indies he coach Phil Simmons has claimed that he was racially abused during time he played league cricket in England. Simmons, currently he coach of touring West Indies who are currently in England for a three-match Test series did t specify in which English league he was racially targeted.

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 'I have encountered it in leagues': Phil Simmons

"I encountered quite a bit (of racism) up in leagues. In county cricket, I haven't really encountered that much. But I have encountered it in leagues," he was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo."It's t a nice thing to face. Especially in leagues where you're by yourself sometimes. It affected my wife when I was up re. It's t a nice thing. I played in three or four different leagues. It was one particular league up in rast."

Racism has become a topic of global debate following death of African-American George Floyd at hands of a white police officer in USA. Several cricketers, including West Indian stars like Chris Gayle and Darren Sammy, have opened up about ir own experiences while voicing support to 'Black Lives Matter' movement. Simmons said his team too would be showing its support to movement when three-Test series against England begins on July 8.

"We definitely are thinking about things that we can do to show our solidarity with movement. We definitely have plans to show our unity and our backing to it. chats with English are on-going and by end of this week we'll see what we can do toger," Simmons ded.

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West Indies tour of England 2020

Meanwhile, all cricketing events have eir been postponed or canceled since month of March due to global pandemic. cricketing action will get underway when England and West Indies lock horns in a three-match Test series starting from July 8. All matches will be played behind closed doors. Windies players have alrey reached England and have started training for upcoming bilateral series. first Test match will be played at Rosebowl Cricket Ground (8-12 July) while second and third Test matches will be played at Old Trafford Cricket Ground (16-20 July), while third and final Test will be played at same venue as well (24-28 July).

(With PTI Inputs)

(Im Courtesy: AP)