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Cape Town - West Indies coach Phil Simmons has backed Kieron Pollard's appointed as Windies ODI captain despite the batsman having not played in the 50-over format in three years.
Pollard last played an ODI for the Windies in October 2016 but has taken over the leadership reins from Jason Holder after the Caribbean outfit had a poor World Cup earlier this year.
Simmons, who himself is returning to the Windies head coaching role three years since being axed, says Pollard thrives when put in pressure situations.
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Simmons said: "A lot of people write him off. The pressure always makes him stand up.
"If you look at his career, every time he's under pressure he stands up and he shows 'look, I've had a blip, but I'm back'.
"His experience in general, and not just the knowledge, but also his
ability to involve all the players and his ability to give players
challenges but at the same time be on their side - that natural
leadership is there," he said.
"It is something that he will bring a lot to the team."
Pollard's first assignment as Windies skipper in the 50-over format will be when the Caribbean outfit host Afghanistan in a three-match series starting on 6 November.
