'It's what we do as a team to prepare': Head coach Simmons dismisses talk of chaos in B'desh camp

Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has dismissed concerns over turmoil within the national team following the removal of batting coach Mohammad Ashraful, insisting that the players remain focused on preparing for the upcoming two-match 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 just days before the opening Test, scheduled to begin on Wednesday in Mirpur, raising questions about the team's preparation and stability.

However, Simmons played down the controversy and stressed that developments outside the dressing room would not affect the players' approach to the series.

"Is this the first time there's chaos before a match?" Simmons asked while addressing reporters ahead of the opening Test.

The Bangladesh coach said every international series carried significance, but the immediate priority was to ensure that the players were adequately prepared.

He maintained that those involved in the training sessions over the previous few days had shown commitment and that the arrival of the remaining squad members would allow the team to complete its preparations.

Ashraful's removal raises questions

The BCB's decision to remove Ashraful from his batting coaching responsibilities followed Bangladesh's mixed performances during their recent tour of the United Arab Emirates.

Bangladesh drew a one-off Test against Afghanistan before losing their matches against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe in the ODI tri-series earlier this month.

The results prompted scrutiny of the team's batting performances and coaching arrangements, although the board has not publicly established a direct connection between Ashraful's reassignment and those results.

Reports have also suggested that the BCB is considering appointing another batting coach ahead of Bangladesh's tour of South Africa.

Asked whether Ashraful had been treated unfairly, Simmons declined to comment on the board's decision, saying the matter was not for him to address.

The coaching change has added to the uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh cricket, which has also witnessed changes in the board's leadership in recent months.

Limited preparation time a concern

Simmons acknowledged that Bangladesh had not enjoyed an ideal preparation period ahead of the Test series, largely because several players were involved in the recent ODI tri-series in the UAE.

With a number of cricketers representing the country across formats, the coaching staff had limited opportunities to assemble the entire Test squad for extended training sessions.

However, Simmons pointed out that the players had remained active in competitive cricket and were not returning to action after a prolonged break.

He said the final two days before the opening Test would be crucial in bringing the squad together and ensuring that everyone understood their responsibilities.

The coach also expressed satisfaction with the attitude of the players who had already been training in Mirpur, indicating that the group had worked diligently despite the distractions surrounding the team.

World Test Championship remains priority

Bangladesh enter the West Indies series with an opportunity to strengthen their position in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.

Currently placed fourth in the championship table, Bangladesh remain in contention for a place in the final, making the upcoming fixtures particularly significant.

Simmons said the possibility of reaching the WTC final had provided additional motivation to the players and coaching staff.

The coach emphasised that the squad understood the importance of performing consistently in Test cricket and was determined to make the most of the opportunity.

Bangladesh have six matches remaining in the current WTC cycle, including the two home Tests against the West Indies. The series will be followed by an away assignment against South Africa and a home series against England next year.

Their position in the championship makes the West Indies series important, with victories potentially strengthening their chances of remaining in contention for the final.

Liton Das expected to be available

Simmons also provided an encouraging update on wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das, whose fitness had been a concern ahead of the opening Test.

The coach indicated that Liton was currently available for selection, although the team management would continue monitoring his condition before the match.

His availability would provide Bangladesh with an experienced batting option as they prepare to face a West Indies side seeking to improve its own standing in the championship.

For Simmons, however, the immediate challenge remains ensuring that the players concentrate on their performances rather than the administrative developments surrounding the team.

With the first Test approaching, Bangladesh will look to put the coaching controversy behind them and begin the series with a strong performance at home.