Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has dismissed suggestions of unrest within the team following the removal of batting coach Mohammad Ashraful, insisting that the players remain focused on their upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Saturday that Ashraful had been reassigned from his role as batting coach, with Mohammad Salahuddin appointed on an interim basis. The decision came after Bangladesh endured a disappointing campaign in the United Arab Emirates earlier this month, drawing a one-off Test against Afghanistan before losing both their matches against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe in the ODI tri-series.
Ashraful's removal has been widely viewed as a possible reaction to the team's recent results, while reports suggest that the BCB is close to appointing another batting coach ahead of Bangladesh's tour of South Africa.
However, Simmons played down concerns about the situation, stressing that the squad had maintained its concentration during preparations for the West Indies series.
"Is this the first time there's chaos before a match? Every series is important," Simmons said. "The group that was here have been excellent in the last three or four days. They've been doing their work, and now the whole team joins together. It's what we do over the next two days, not what's happening outside, that matters."
World Test Championship Qualification in Focus
The upcoming series carries significant importance for Bangladesh as they seek to strengthen their position in the race to reach the World Test Championship final. Bangladesh are currently fourth in the standings for the ongoing cycle, making the home series an important opportunity to improve their prospects.
Simmons said the players were fully aware of the challenge ahead and remained motivated by the opportunity to compete for a place in the final.
"I think everyone is very focused on the Test match. The same was true in the Test match in Abu Dhabi. Everyone was focused on what's in front of them," he said.
"There's that goal and desire to play in the World Test Championship, and this is the first time we've had that opportunity to be there. So I think everyone is going to be up and ready for the Test matches."
The first Test against the West Indies is scheduled to begin on Wednesday in Mirpur.
Simmons Defends Bangladesh's Approach Against Afghanistan
Bangladesh's drawn Test against Afghanistan has attracted criticism, with questions raised about the batters' approach despite the closely contested nature of the match.
Simmons, however, defended his team's tactics, arguing that the players had followed the instructions of the team management. He also pointed out that the pitch had improved more than anticipated as the match progressed.
"I don't think it was a case where they didn't respond to the match situation. I think they played it exactly how we wanted them to play it. The wicket got better than we thought it would, so on the last day, it was a lot better than we expected," Simmons explained.
The Bangladesh coach felt his side should have secured victory, citing missed opportunities in the field as key factors in the result.
"At the end of the day, we should have won the Test match. We missed a run-out and dropped a few catches. So, at the end of the day, we should have won the match, but I don't think we played it in the wrong way," he added.
Simmons Looks to Repeat 2021 Success
Simmons also reflected on his previous experience in Bangladesh, having coached the West Indies when they secured a memorable 2-0 Test series victory in the country in 2021.
That tour included Kyle Mayers' remarkable unbeaten 210 in the fourth innings, which helped the West Indies complete a stunning three-wicket victory in Chattogram while chasing a target of 395.
Simmons said he retained fond memories of the tour but was determined to guide Bangladesh to victory this time around.
"I have very good and pleasant memories of that tour. I was the leader of the winning side, and hopefully I'll have the same memories here, being on the winning side," he said.
The Bangladesh coach also made it clear that his professional responsibilities would take precedence over his previous association with the Caribbean side.
"I'm not that emotional to say, 'Oh, it's the West Indies.' When they're playing someone else, I'm on their side. When I'm playing against them, I still want to win the series," Simmons concluded.
With the first Test approaching, Bangladesh will look to put the coaching changes and recent disappointments behind them and deliver a strong performance against a West Indies side that will be eager to challenge the hosts on their own turf.
