Phil Simmons frustrated as star players miss Test series for Big Bash

Head coach Phil Simmons has spoken of his frustration at not having his best players available for the West Indies' Test series against Australia.

Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Darren Sammy and Andre Russell are in Australia, but playing in the Twenty20 Big Bash League while their compatriots struggle in the five-day game.

The West Indies were overpowered by an innings and 212 runs by the home side inside three days in the first Test in Hobart.

"I'm totally frustrated," said Simmons ahead of the second Test, which starts at the MCG on Boxing Day. 

"It's enjoyable to see Russell bowling at 140 clicks [kph] and Bravo hitting three or four sixes and Chris in [the Big Bash].

"It is frustrating that we don't have them yet playing in a Test series but it's something that's been going on for a while."

Simmons, who was suspended in September after criticising selection for the tour of Sri Lanka before being reinstated last month, said it was a dilemma the Caribbean bosses had to resolve.

"It's up to the administration to work out how we get to the stage of, let's say New Zealand, because they have similar things and they are getting all their players to play," he added.

"And it's up to our administration and our bosses to find out how is the best way that we can get these guys on the pitch."

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