Simmons urges patience from fans as Bangladesh eye Chattogram Test turnaround

Phil Simmons has called on Bangladesh's passionate cricket supporters to show patience as his side looks to bounce back in the crucial second Test against Zimbabwe, starting 28 April in Chattogram.

Bangladesh suffered a heavy defeat in the first Test in Sylhet, leaving them trailing 1-0 in the two-match series. With the pressure mounting, Simmons has stressed the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding distractions, both on and off the field.

"I would definitely ask the fans, especially in Bangladesh, to be patient," Simmons said at the pre-match press conference. "I know how much passion and love there is for cricket here. Everyone wants Bangladesh to perform better. But I would request patience. We are trying our best to get things right at the right time."

Simmons also emphasised the need to shield players from outside controversies, particularly amid ongoing debates surrounding Towhid Hridoy's disciplinary issues in the Dhaka Premier League.

"As coaches, we try to keep the players away from these external matters," he added. "We are playing a Test match. We have our final team meeting coming up. We are concentrating on what's ahead and not allowing ourselves to be distracted."

The Bangladesh head coach remained tight-lipped about the team's final line-up for the Chattogram Test. He hinted that the Tigers could either field three seamers or opt for three spinners, depending on conditions.

"It will either be three pacers and two spinners, or three spinners and two pacers," Simmons said with a smile. "But I cannot say for sure just yet. We will make the final decision later."

Reflecting on the pitch conditions, Simmons described the wicket at the Bir Sreshtho Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium as "hard and flat," adding that it could favour Bangladesh if it offered some turn.

"We are hoping to make the most of the conditions. If there is some turn, that would work in our favour," he said.

Simmons also commented on the absence of Nahid Rana, who has left to participate in the Pakistan Super League. "I wouldn't say we have lost strength, but you could say we have lost pace following Rana's exit. However, there are still skilled bowlers available," Simmons said. "Chattogram wickets are usually on the slower side, and we hope to extract some turn. Our pacers can still do the job."