Simmons Plays Down Bangladesh Camp Tensions Before West Indies Tests

Phil Simmons has dismissed suggestions that Bangladesh are facing internal problems ahead of their home Test series against West Indies. His comments came after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) moved Mohammad Ashraful out of the batting coach role in the week before the series.

The board confirmed the change on Saturday and appointed Mohammad Salahuddin as the temporary batting coach. Bangladesh have had a difficult run recently, drawing their only Test against Afghanistan in the UAE before losing to both Afghanistan and Zimbabwe in the ODI tri-series.

Ashraful’s removal has led to questions about whether the board acted because of those results. However, reports also suggest the BCB is nearing an agreement with another batting coach, who could join the team before their tour of South Africa.

"Is this the first time there's chaos before a match?" Simmons replied when asked about the environment of the dressing room ahead of the WI Test series.

"Every series is important. Those that we played earlier in the year were important too. But the thing is how we go about our preparation for the series.” said Phil Simmons.

“I think that the group that was here has 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, it's not what's happening outside, it's what we do as a team to prepare." added Phil Simmons.

Simmons further said that Bangladesh are currently focused on the West Indies series, as the upcoming matches are important to their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final.

"I think everyone is very focused on the Test match. The same in the Test match in Abu Dhabi, I think everyone was focused on the Test match and what's in front of them. I think there's that goal and that 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," said Phil Simmons.

Simmons then reiterated his support for Bangladesh against West Indies, saying he is backing the Tigers to do well against his home side without letting emotions get in the way.

"I have very good memories and pleasant memories of that tour. I was the leader of the winning side and hopefully I'll have the same memories here, being the winner of the winning side. I'm not that emotional to say, well look, 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," said Phil Simmons.