As a West Indian International for several years, Phil Simmons is delighted to announce his support to the Western Union Cricket Trophy, a national cricket competition intended primarily for West Indian heritage teams. "It's a great competition that is taking place throughout the country which I believe is a good thing," he said. "It gives everyone the opportunity and should make for some competitive cricket."

A former favourite at Leicestershire, Phil is still keeping his hand in with the game, and is enjoying the relaxing atmosphere away from the first class stage. "I'm playing for a team called Dunstall in the Derby Premier League and it's enjoyable as there is less pressure there. I'm also coaching kids and it's good to give something back to the game. I sometimes miss first-class cricket. When things are not going well for the West Indies you wish that you were there to help them out."

With the West Indies going through some troubled times at the moment, Phil is clear about where the problems lie. "We have not been playing good cricket and playing to the standard that we should be and that has shown by our results. I think things will get better and they are trying to sort things out. There is always talent out there but it getting the right mentality and attitude right from a young age – that's where work has to be done."

One country doing well at the moment is, of course, England. So, what does Phil think of the state of the game there? "It's on the up. Any time when your International team is winning then things seem to get better all the way down the scale. They have just beaten Pakistan and it is good to see.

"The all round team effort for England is noticeable. You know that Gough and Caddick are the main bowlers and Atherton and Stewart are the main batters but at the same time you can see the team effort. Ian Ward came into the team for the Pakistan match and looked the part so it looks good."

So what of the Ashes Tests later in the year? "It might be closer but Australia are not an easy team to beat – they are definitely the best team in the world right now and you have to play well and play consistently for four or five days to beat them. It will be a hard series but also a good one. Australia have a big team ethic to their play although they have the stars also. The most impressive of those being Steve Waugh but they always have someone who comes up trumps."

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