Simmons keen to play in ODIs against England

Port of Spain (Trinidad), May 9: Fit-again West Indies batsman Lendl Simmons is targeting a comeback against England in the upcoming limited-overs series next month.

The right-handed stroke-maker returned to action in the domestic competition here last month after undergoing surgery in February for a fractured finger suffered during the Regional Four-Day Championship.

Last week, he stroked 127 for his local club Ceramic Merryboys and says he hopes he can do enough to convince regional selectors.

"I see no reason to be left out the English series. I'm making some big scores once again and I think I have done a lot to deserve selection," he told the Trinidad NewsDay.

"I just want to keep playing to the best of my ability and move from strength to strength. As a cricketer, I want to do my best representing my club, country and the region."

Simmons has played eight Tests and 36 One-Day Internationals (ODI), but has not played since December when he faced India in the ODIs there.

He has emerged as one of the side's most consistent one-day batsmen in recent times, and has scored a hundred and two half-centuries in his last seven innings.

West Indies play England in a three-Test series, starting May 17, before the three one-dayers and a Twenty20 from June 16-24 and Simmons says he is eager to get into the team.

"I feel great. It's good to be fit and back to form once again. I was elated with my 127 against Wanderers recently because I want runs under my belt to make the One-Dayers and T20s in England," he said.

West Indies are expected to have a full strength squad for that tour with the estranged Chris Gayle, and Indian Premier League stars Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo, all available for selection.