![Phil Simmons' warning to Bangladesh [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1787228676607_PhilSimmonsBangladesh.jpg?type=hq)
Phil Simmons' warning to Bangladesh [Source: AFP]
A week after Bangladesh’s historic Test win over Bangladesh in Darwin, the Men in Green will be back in action for the second Test in Mackay from August 22. This time they will stand a unique chance to clinch the series on Aussie soil for the first time.
While they are in an unprecedented situation ahead of the second game, the Aussies are wounded, and coach Phil Simmons is well aware of how Australia will approach the match.
Phil Simmons warns Bangladesh ahead of 2nd Test
Having won the first Test, the spirits in the Bangladesh camp will be high. However, this time around, they are wary of what could happen in Mackay, with the former West Indies player, Phil Simmons, at the helm.
While they won a Test in Australia for the first time, contrary to their reputation, Bangladesh did not over-celebrate or get ahead of themselves in Darwin.
Thanks to Simmons’ coaching and mentorship, it seems they are trying to keep their minds in the right place, and Simmons has already issued a warning to his team.
“The only thing I had to say to them - and I will repeat it anyway - is that Australia is going to come harder. So we have to either keep that level of performance or get a little bit better," as quoted by Cricinfo.
"Even if we [have to] get 1% better in some areas, then we will have to make sure that that's there. But we know that they are going to change their game. They are going to come harder at us."
Simmons, who has played 26 Tests and 143 ODIs for West Indies, also touched upon the 54 all out in the tour game.
He said that they focused on their preparation, which gives him a lot of confidence in what his team could do in the second match.
Also Read: Bangladesh’s WTC Schedule After Australia Tour
Bangladesh squad gets boost ahead of Mackay Test
In what could be the most important Test in Bangladesh’s history, their team is set to receive a massive boost.
To join the fierce attack of Mahmud Hasan and Taskin Ahmed, left-arm quick Shoriful Islam could be roped into the XI after he missed the first Test through an injury.
The 25-year-old declared him fit and also added that he is ready to play; however, Simmons stated that the team might not change the playing combination.
“He offers something different. But again, we just won a Test match. I'm one... who hardly likes to change winning teams. So it's a possibility, but I can't really say. I'm impressed with all the bowlers because I think everybody bowled to what we spoke about. They're good batsmen [in the Australia side]; they're world-class batsmen,” Simmons noted.
Can Bangladesh etch history vs AUS?
In recent years, Bangladesh have improved leaps and bounds, especially in red-ball cricket. They have already beaten Pakistan in two series, home and away, since 2024 and have all the minerals to do the unthinkable against the mighty Aussies.
On the other hand, Australia is a struggling unit, looking for solutions in their weakened batting lineup. They will have Matthew Renshaw coming in to replace Jake Weatherald as opener, but still, the overall balance looks off to many.
The calm and collected Simmons is aware of what is happening and eyes history. Despite this, he has a simple formula in mind to win the match and take home the series trophy.
Also Read: BCB Head Tamim Iqbal Dents Pakistan Players’ Pockets With Deflating Move
