West Indies reinstate Simmons as coach after public apology

Simmons was suspended in September for questioning the continued omissions of all-rounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, saying he was not getting "the best 50-over ODI squad".

(Reuters)

Eldine Baptiste took over for the tour of Sri Lanka which concludes with a Twenty20 match on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka won both tests and all three ODI internationals on the tour.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) said in a statement that Simmons' reinstatement involved him receiving a letter of reprimand and making a public apology.

"I regret my public outburst during a press conference...and the revelation of the vote that took place at the selection meeting," said Simmons in an audio apology released by the WICB.

"I extend a public apology to all whom I may have offended. I have personally apologised to my fellow selectors and the WICB and now do so again publicly.

"I am looking forward to putting this behind me and doing the job I enjoy with the West Indies' senior men's teams," said Simmons.

Former West Indies test batsman and Ireland coach Simmons took charge in March and led them to a 1-1 three-test series draw at home against England before suffering a 2-0 series defeat by Australia in the Caribbean.

(Reporting by Simon Evans; Editing by Tony Jimenez)