Simmons warns Australia will come harder after Bangladesh’s nine-wicket win in Darwin
Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons warned on Thursday that Australia will come harder in the second Test after Bangladesh secured a historic nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin in the series opener. Simmons told reporters his players must either maintain their level or improve if they are to complete a memorable series win.
The triumph in Darwin was Bangladesh’s first Test win over Australia and only their second victory against them in the format, a result built on a massive first-innings effort in which Bangladesh batted 138 overs to make 426 before their bowlers finished the job. Simmons pointed to the team’s preparation as proof that confidence had not evaporated after they were bowled out for 54 in a warm-up match, saying: “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.”
Simmons warned that Australia would respond with increased intensity and urged his side to match or exceed their recent performance, saying: “The only thing I had to say to them - and I will repeat it anyway - is that Australia is going to come harder.” He added: “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.”
The coach credited his bowlers with executing the team’s plans against a strong Australian batting line-up, telling reporters: “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 presented that discipline and consistency as central to how Bangladesh contained Australia across the match.
Simmons outlined a clear approach for the two-Test series: build a substantial first-innings total, occupy the crease for extended periods and force Australia into a chasing position rather than allowing them to dictate the contest. He encapsulated that strategy in one phrase: “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.”
Left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam has impressed since joining the main squad and, according to Simmons, offers Bangladesh an additional option with the ball. On the subject of selection, Simmons said: “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 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 the nine-wicket defeat in Darwin, while Bangladesh have the opportunity to seal a historic series victory.
