Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons expressed deep frustration following a dismal batting performance in the second innings of the three-day practice match against the Cricket Australia XI in Darwin. The visitors were dismissed for just 54 runs, resulting in a heavy defeat by an innings and 38 runs. The team’s struggles were primarily driven by rookie left-arm pacer Campbell Thompson, who dismantled the Bangladesh top order to finish with impressive figures of 8-25.
Bangladesh had posted 263 in their first innings before the CA XI responded with 355. The visitors’ second innings was brief, lasting only 22 overs, with opener Tanzid Hasan providing the highest individual score of 22. Reflecting on the performance, Simmons stated, “I think we let ourselves down with the bat in this practice match, and you look at how we got out and it wasn’t nice.”
Simmons believed, however, that there was enough time for his batters to address the problems exposed by the collapse ahead of the first Test beginning August 13. He emphasized the need for immediate improvement, noting, “I think that we have three [four] days to work on what we have to do properly in the Test match.” He added, “I trust that the guys are going to put in the work over these next three days to get us where we want to be for that Test match.”
Despite the disappointment of the result, Simmons urged his players to quickly shift their focus toward the upcoming challenge. “Disappointing match, but we move on and we look forward to the Test match,” he said. The coaching staff is now looking to rectify the technical errors that led to the collapse against Thompson’s bowling, ensuring the squad is prepared for the intensity of the official Test series.
In positive news for the team, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam is recovering from a finger injury sustained while batting on the opening day. Bangladesh national team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan provided an update on Saturday: “The injury that Taijul sustained while batting day before yesterday is much better now, both swelling and pain have decreased.” Khan noted that with the first Test five days away, he expects the spinner to be available for selection, providing a boost to the team’s bowling options.
