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October 22, 2024
Phil Simmons, the newly-appointed head coach of Bangladesh, expressed his determination to refocus his team on cricket as they gear up for the two-match Test series against South Africa, starting October 21 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Simmons emphasized the importance of concentrating on their performance on the field, encouraging his players to put aside any distractions and external noise that may affect their preparation.
His appointment comes during a tumultuous period for the team, following the controversial dismissal of former head coach Chandika Hathurasinghe. Additionally, the absence of star player Shakib Al Hasan for the home matches has shifted attention away from the game itself and towards various off-field issues. Simmons acknowledged these challenges but remains committed to creating a positive environment where the players can thrive.
Simmons’ leadership will be crucial in navigating this critical phase for Bangladesh cricket. By fostering a mindset centered on performance and unity, he aims to steer the team through this difficult time and return their focus to competing effectively on the international stage. With the South Africa series on the horizon, Simmons is hopeful that his players will rise above the surrounding controversies and deliver their best performances.
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“That’s the big part of our job over the next few days, to make sure the focus is on the cricket, and not on the outside of cricket. We can control how we prepare for Monday, that’s how we are trying to get the team to focus,” Simmons told reporters at his first official press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Saturday.
“The good thing is we have a very important Test match to prepare for. We win the next few Tests, and we are in contention for the (WTC) final. My first port of call is cricket, and about getting the squad ready for Monday. The last two days (of training) have been brilliant. We have to try to leave out the confusion that’s around the cricket, and concentrate on preparing for Monday,” he said.
Phil Simmons, the second West Indian to serve as head coach of Bangladesh after Gordon Greenidge, believes his experience coaching teams like Ireland and Afghanistan will be valuable in guiding Bangladesh cricket. He is confident that the insights and skills he gained from working with these teams will help him lead Bangladesh effectively as they navigate upcoming challenges.
“All these experiences will help me in the next few days to get me ready for Monday. Afghanistan helped me with the language barrier sometimes. Ireland helped me with developing young players. It all comes in at the end of the day. I have to use all those experiences in this assignment.
“My philosophy is to work hard in your preparation and results will come in the match. What I have seen in the last couple of days, these guys work really hard on their game, skills and fitness. I am pretty happy over the last couple of days,” he said.
Simmons, who was interviewed earlier by BCB in 2018 but could not get the job, added that it was not a very difficult decision for him to take up the role when offered by the board.
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“The interest comes from seeing the quality of the young players. They handled themselves well against Pakistan. They didn’t do well in the T20Is against India but they played against the best T20 team in the world, so you have things to take out of there. It all added up to an assignment, which I enjoyed. One, young players to develop. Two, there are Tests and ODIs involved. It wasn’t a hard decision.
“All international coaching jobs are hot seats. Bangladesh is different. Pakistan is different. For me, it is a case of getting the players to play and enjoy everything and win matches. The seat is not hot. The last two days have been really good,” he said.
Simmons added that they are eyeing to give a tough time to South Africans, who could not win a Test series in the subcontinent in the last 10 years.
“It is definitely a good opportunity. Bangladesh are usually very strong at home. So it is a very good opportunity for us to win the Test series. South Africa has that (record of not winning in the sub-continent in the last ten years) hanging over their head but they are a resilient team. They will work hard to change that,” he said adding that he had some good chat with skipper Najmul Hossain during the last two days.
Simmons has shared his thoughts on the players and the direction he wants to take the team. He emphasized the importance of their preparations before the first Test match, focusing on how they will approach the game. As the players and coaching staff get to know each other better, they will also discuss future plans for One Day Internationals (ODIs) and other formats. For now, their primary focus is on Test cricket and how to perform in the two upcoming matches.
The second Test of the series, part of the ICC Test Championship, will be held at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, starting October 29.
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