Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has warned his side that Australia will return with greater intensity in the second Test, despite the visitors securing a historic nine-wicket victory in Darwin. Simmons believes Bangladesh must either maintain their level or improve further if they are to complete a memorable series win.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Simmons stressed that Australia’s response will be stronger when the second Test gets underway at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.
“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. 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.”
Bangladesh’s triumph in Darwin was their first Test win over Australia and only their second victory against them in the format. Their success was built around a massive first-innings effort, with Bangladesh batting for 138 overs and making 426 before their bowlers completed the job.
Simmons also pointed to the team’s preparation as evidence that their confidence did not disappear after they were bowled out for just 54 in a warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI.
BANGLADESH WANT DARWIN BLUEPRINT
Simmons believes the key to Bangladesh’s success was their ability to stick to their plans against Australia’s world-class batting line-up. He also wants the batters to once again spend long periods at the crease.
“I’ve seen the practices, I’ve seen how we practiced before the three-day game, and I’ve seen how we practiced the three days before the Test match. So the work didn’t change. Even though we made 54, an off day, the work rate didn’t change.”
“I’m impressed with all the bowlers because I think everybody bowled to what we spoke about. They’re good batsmen, they’re world-class batsmen. You try and be consistent in areas that will test them.”
Simmons’ preferred blueprint is straightforward: build a substantial first-innings total, occupy the crease for long periods and force Australia to chase the game rather than dictate it.
“Test cricket is five days; if my team can bat for 11 hours out of those five days, then the other team must be under pressure.”
SIMMONS LEANS TOWARDS WINNING XI
Left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam has impressed since joining the main squad and offers Bangladesh another option with the ball. However, Simmons indicated that he is reluctant to disrupt a combination that delivered such a significant result in the series opener.
“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.”
Bangladesh will now turn their attention to the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, where Australia will look to level the two-match series. The hosts will need a significantly stronger performance after being beaten by nine wickets in Darwin, while Bangladesh have the opportunity to seal a historic series victory.
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