Lendl Simmons replaces Andre Fletcher in World T20

The West Indies slumped to an all time new low in their final group encounter with an embarrassing 6-run loss to Afghanistan. While the result broke a whole lot of new ground in terms of Associate nations, the result left many a West Indian player and fan red-faced. Underlining the absence of Chris Gayle did little to help their cause in finding an answer for the loss.

However, despite the shocking result, an unfortunate hamstring injury to Andre Fletcher added insult to injury. Fletcher was quintessentially the star of the show when the West Indies overwhelmed Sri Lanka in Bangalore a few nights back. However, the injury to Fletcher means that the Windies will be liable to name a replacement for the dashing top order batsman.

At the moment, Lendl Simmons boarded the flight as a replacement for Fletcher to India to battle at the Wankhede. Ironically, the 31-year old Trinidadian will be a wonderful addition to the side given his experience and abundance of cricket played at the Wankhede Stadium with his IPL side, the Mumbai Indians.

Simmons had an extremely productive 2015 season in the Indian Premier League. He was by far the best batsman within the Mumbai Indians ranks, smashing 540 runs at a whopping average of 45. With the Wankhede wicket expected to remain the same as it always has in the past, the injury to Andre Fletcher, though unfortunate, seems to be a blessing in disguise of sorts.

Despite the shocking loss, the Windies finished on top of their group and ahead of England in terms of the net run-rate factor, therefore earning their place in the second semifinal in Mumbai. They will take on hosts India in what promises to be a truly enthralling encounter.