Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has called for patience from fans as the national team undergoes a transition phase in Test cricket. Speaking ahead of the second Test against Zimbabwe, set to begin on April 28 in Chattogram, Simmons emphasized the team’s commitment to playing positive cricket rather than adopting a defensive approach.
Bangladesh trails the two-match Test series 1-0, with several senior players absent. Only Mushfiqur Rahim remains as a seasoned figure in the squad. Despite the team’s struggles in the first Test, Simmons reaffirmed their intention to continue playing with five bowlers, resisting calls to add an extra batter.
“I ask for patience, particularly from the Bangladesh people. We’re putting the right things in place to play better,” Simmons said on Sunday.
He acknowledged the team’s poor first innings batting performance in the opening Test and expressed the need for improvement, particularly in avoiding soft dismissals. However, Simmons made it clear that their aggressive intent won’t change.
“We want to play a positive brand of Test cricket. Not just score 200 runs in a day by sitting back. We aim to build a team that consistently delivers,” he said.
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Simmons reiterated his belief in the importance of fielding five bowlers in Test matches, particularly in conditions like Chattogram, and highlighted Mehidy Hasan Miraz as a vital bowling all-rounder despite his recent batting struggles.
“Whether it’s three seamers and two spinners or the other way around, we’ll finalise tomorrow. The wicket looks good—flat and hard—but we’re hoping for some turn later in the match,” he added.
Addressing the absence of Nahid Rana, who left for the PSL after the first Test, Simmons said the team still had enough skilled pacers in the squad, including Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
“We lost Rana’s pace, not strength. We still have bowlers with the right skills for this wicket,” Simmons explained. He also praised Sakib’s deceptive pace and his potential across formats.
A key focus now, Simmons said, is shielding players from external distractions as they prepare for a crucial Test.
“We’re trying to keep the players away from outside noise. This week is all about Bangladesh cricket. The next five days matter more than anything outside,” he concluded.
