Phil Simmons' self-isolation won't disrupt WI preparation, says Joseph

According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, Simmons has gone under mandatory self-isolation after he attended a funeral recently. He can now join re-join the squad only on Thursday if his next two COVID-19 tests comes out as negative.

"That doesn't really disrupt our preparations," Joseph was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. "We have our jobs to do - we have our preparation to keep going with. We have a very big coaching staff here that are very supportive of each other, so that's not really a problem for anyone."

The three-Test series will mark the resumption of cricket after the sport was suspended in March due to coronavirus pandemic.

Ahead of the first match at Ageas Bowl on July 8, England skipper Joe Root recently said that they will have to be wary of the formidable West Indies pace battery and Joseph is part of the fearsome attack that will look to trouble the high-profile batting line-up of the hosts.

"I'm just looking to stay consistent. I think I bowled pretty well (this week) so I'm just looking to repeat what I did in the last game," Joseph said.

"(The 2017 tour) was a really big learning experience for me, my first time in England. So I have some experience here now - I know how to bowl in these conditions my second time around.

"The ball does a bit more here in England than in the Caribbean. It's just some slight adjustments, nothing too big but some simple adjustments.

"For me, I think it's about being consistent round that good area, extracting whatever movement you can get off the pitch, and sticking to plans as long as possible," he added. IANS

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