As Bangladesh prepares to play a 2-match Test series with Zimbabwe in Sylhet, Phil Simmons, their new head coach, is preparing with a clear focus: Progress is achieved through a strong foundation of Consistency, Clarity and Development. Share his thoughts on the conversation before the first training session where he talks about Bangladesh’s next phase which follows monumental retirements and shifts in leadership.

Strengthening the gaps

With the likes of Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah now retired from ODI, Bangladesh are looking to rebuild the team. Simmons called for the need to have consistency on selection, structure, and training intensity. “The more we play together, the more we understand each other—and the more success we’ll have,” said Simmons.

Batting is the heart of Bangladesh’s ODI frailness

Simmon’s acknowledges that while Bangladesh thrived in ODIs, there has been a noticeable drop in performance due to benchmarks not being met due to lackluster batting efforts. “If you don’t put 280-290 on the board, you struggle against top teams,” Simmons said. While bowling and fielding are tipped to be nearing the wish list, batters are urged to pull their weight in anchoring the innings, especially in the middle overs during the monotonous phases of the game.

T20 Vision: Distinguish The Playing Style

Simmons mentions that the T20 squad looks encouraging with the presence of players such as Mohammad Naim Sheikh (Emon). With a mouthwatering list of upcoming T20Is which includes the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup, he looks to craft a definitive approach that plays to the strengths of the team. “Some teams build slowly to the ‘carnage’ at the start, others prefer doing it towards the end, we have to figure out what our approach will be and practice towards that,” he said.

Test Cricket: Bat Long, Win Strong

On the batting front for the Tests, Simmons added that batters need to be spending a lot more time at the crease. “Batting should turn into a norm to do 100 overs plus, if it does we are simply talking about progress as a side and having an extraordinary run. We are looking to having 1 or two from the team getting tons every match or two, which is serious progress,” he added, while mentioning that the bowling seems to be in a good state already.

Less Slow Bowlers, We Want Turners

A strong believer in genuine spin, Simmons remarked that there is a difference between ‘spinners’ and ‘slow bowlers’. He hailed the brilliant work done by spin consultant Mushtaq Ahmed saying, “The more you turn the ball, the more likely it is that you will take wickets.” The objective is to retrieve effective and dominant spin to the Test side.

Zimbabwe Series: More Than Just Winning

For Simmons, beating Zimbabwe is not just another series victory. He is trying to implement a culture of playing for keeps. “It does not matter if it is a lower-ranked or higher-ranked team, we approach each game with a systematic and aggressive bent,” he said.

Leadership Depth and Pathway Planning

Simmons pointed out the outstanding leadership by Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Litton Das, and emphasized that all three have displayed captaincy skills. In his view, Bangladesh has a leadership pipeline beyond the captaincy.

Aligning philosophies across the national, A team, and age-group cricket was also part of his emphasis. “Even if someone is at the Under-19 level, they need to know what the expectations are from the national side,” he said.

Franchise Cricket and BCB Balance

While speaking on players’ participation in franchise leagues, Simmons pointed out the advantages, while stressing the need for balance. “From my experience with Afghanistan, I can tell you that discussions will be needed with BCB to score the balance between player development in the leagues and national duties,” he said.

Support From Salahuddin and Domestic Focus

Simmons praised coach Mohammad Salahuddin (Sallo) for his remarkable responses on the under the radar performers. “Sallo’s keeping an eye on the DPL and keeping me posted, it’s making a huge difference,” he said.

Coaching Philosophy: Team First, Individual Focus Secondary

In his Simmons went over the experiences he recalled having as a player, emphasizing his preparation-oriented coaching. Quite frankly, “There is no individual worth more than the team. And there is not a single team that does not appreciate preparation.” Getting people out of a slump requires knowing how to deal with an individual. “Some need to talk, others need to be pushed, while others prefer to be left alone.”

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