Dhaka, Oct 19 (IANS) Newly appointed Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons is determined to keep the team's focus on cricket as they prepare for the two-match series against South Africa starting October 21 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Are ready for the test series.

Simmons, who took over amid off-field controversies, is eager to leave the distractions behind and help his team prepare for the upcoming challenge. Simmons replaces Chandika Hathurasinghe who was recently removed as head coach and takes over at a time when star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is not available for the domestic matches.

Addressing the situation during his first official press conference, Simmons stressed the importance of focusing on cricket rather than external distractions.

“Our job over the next few days is to ensure that the focus is on cricket and not outside of cricket. We can control our preparation for Monday,” Simmons told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Saturday. “That's how we're trying to focus the team.”

He stressed that Bangladesh's chances in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) depend on the upcoming Test. “The good thing is that we have a very important Test match to prepare for. We win the next few Tests, and we are contenders for the WTC final. My first job is cricket, and to prepare the team for Monday The last two days (of training) have been fantastic. We have to try to clear the confusion around cricket and concentrate on preparing for Monday.

Simmons, the second West Indian to coach Bangladesh after Gordon Greenidge, brings with him a wealth of experience from his previous coaching stints with Ireland, Afghanistan and the West Indies. He believes that these experiences will prove helpful in taking the Bangladesh team forward.

He said, “All these experiences will help me in the next few days. My philosophy is to work hard in preparation and the results will also come. I have seen these players working hard on their skills and fitness in the last few days.” '

The former West Indies coach revealed that taking charge of Bangladesh was not a difficult decision for him. His interest stems from the potential of Bangladesh's young players, who he believes have handled themselves well against top teams like Pakistan.

“It was not a difficult decision. One, to develop the young players. Two, it includes Tests and ODIs. All of these have combined to create something that I am excited about.”

Simmons is optimistic about the upcoming Test series against South Africa, given Bangladesh's strength on home soil and he believes Bangladesh have a strong chance, especially given South Africa's recent struggles in subcontinental conditions.

Simmons said, “This is a good opportunity for us to win the series. South Africa have not won any Test series in the subcontinent in the last 10 years, but they are a strong team. We will have to give them a tough challenge.”

The second Test of the series, part of the ICC Test Championship, will be played in Chittagong on 29 October.

–IANS

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