By Clifton Ross
EYEING revenge after being trounced in the ODI series, West Indies coach Phil Simmons is looking to capitalize on Bangladesh’s lack of Test cricket over the past year, adding that the Tiger’s talented lineup still commands respect.
Simmons spoke on Monday, virtually, when he seemed poised heading into the first Test which bowls off tomorrow (11:30 tonight Guyana time).
The Trinidadian said that due to Bangladesh not playing cricket since the early part of 2020, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, he wants the Caribbean side to utilize their recent overseas Test tours against England and New Zealand in order to redeem themselves from the recent ODI series loss.
“They (Bangladesh) haven’t played Test cricket for a year now and getting back might be a bit of vulnerability early on. I am sure that will soon be taken care of; they have a fairly experienced team with the likes of Tamim and Shakib. The vulnerability might not last too long, but if it does happen, we have to seize the opportunity, “said Simmons.
Although the hosts have been away from the Test arena for roughly a year, their squad, confident from the recent 50-Over series win and their familiarly with the conditions, can be a handful for the tourists.
“You can have a lack of international cricket but you will be training properly. It takes away the rust, which is only a mental thing. It will go away after the first couple of hours of the first day. Bangladesh will always have the edge no matter who they are playing at home, even though they haven’t played cricket for a year. They are a very strong side when they play at home”.
Regarding the actual performance of the team, most notably the batting and their posting of scores, the ex-West Indies opener turned coach believes that the team will eventually fire on all cylinders despite a few hiccups along the way.
“We are trying to get the system to run as smoothly as we can. The more things we put in place, the more we will see these things being taken care of before they get to the international level”. Simmons pointed out.
Meanwhile, Simmons further praised his variety of bowlers for their work on tour thus far and is adamant that spinners and pacers alike will adapt and succeed in the conditions come game time.
“All the bowlers bowled well in the practice games; the spinners bowled well, so it’s good to see that they have been able to adjust to the wicket, which are not like it is in the Caribbean. It was good to see them getting a chance to bowl some overs.
“There’s always a role for your fast bowlers and medium pacers. It is about them knowing and adjusting to what lengths and lines they have to bowl on these wickets.” Simmons ended.
