BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Batsman Lendl Simmons believes his spell in the wilderness has enhanced his maturity and is focused on making a big impact for West Indies in the upcoming limited overs matches against Pakistan.

The 26-year-old, repeatedly overlooked by selectors since the one-day tour of Australia ended last year February, was picked for the lone Twenty20 International against the tourists on Thursday along with the subsequent five-match One-Day International series.

“I see myself as a more mature player and I’m putting a lot more thought into my preparation for games and when I go onto the field of play as well,” Simmons said.

“It feels really great to be back in the West Indies team set-up and among the players again as we look forward to facing Pakistan.

“I was away for a year and in that period I had a lot of time to reflect and analyse my game. I am happy to be back and I believe I am mentally stronger.”

Simmons’ non-selection sparked a row between the West Indies Players Association and the West Indies Cricket Board and resulted in a meeting between him and chief selector Clyde Butts in January, to discuss his future in West Indies cricket.

The right-hander then scored heavily in the Caribbean Twenty20 and Regional First-Class tournaments, to regain the confidence of selectors.

A dashing right-hander and a sharp fielder, who can also deliver stiff medium pace, Simmons said he was looking forward to taking his good form into the series against the Pakistanis.

“I believe I can make a major contribution to the team in the upcoming T20 as well as in the One-Day series and I will be looking to move on from there,” said Simmons.

“I am in good form as we get ready to go over to St Lucia and I want to take that form into the series. I am batting with a lot more maturity and I am looking forward to making everyone proud.”

He added: “I am totally focussed on what I have to do and I am looking to stay in control of the things I have control over. No matter what I’m asked to do I am willing to do it for the team and look to make a contribution to the team’s success.”

Simmons is part of the ongoing West Indies preparation camp at the 3Ws Oval.