Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has expressed his disappointment following a disastrous second-innings performance in a tour game against a Cricket Australia XI in Darwin. The visitors were bowled out for just 54 runs on the third morning, resulting in an innings-and-38-run defeat. This setback occurs only five days before the start of the first Test, marking Bangladesh's return to Australia for the format after 23 years.
The collapse was orchestrated by rookie left-arm quick Campbell Thompson, who claimed eight wickets as Bangladesh folded in just 17 overs. Tanzid Hasan was the only player to reach double figures, scoring 22. Reflecting on the result at Marrara Oval, Simmons admitted the team had let themselves down with the bat. Despite the poor showing, he maintained trust in his players to utilize the remaining three days of preparation to rectify these issues before the Test match begins on August 13.
The tour game had initially provided some positive signs. On the first day, Mehidy Hasan Miraz anchored the innings with a resilient 109 off 141 balls, helping the side recover from a precarious 110 for 6. Bowler Hasan Mahmud also impressed, taking 4 for 42, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy contributed two wickets apiece as the CA XI posted 355.
Concerns have also emerged regarding the fitness of primary spinner Taijul Islam. He suffered a bone contusion on the index finger of his left hand while batting on the opening day and was unable to bowl during the CA XI's innings. Taijul Islam shares a laugh with Mushtaq Ahmed on the sidelines of the tour game. Team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan noted that the pain and swelling have since subsided, and he remains optimistic about the spinner's availability for the upcoming Test. The South Australia left-arm quick stunned the visitors ahead of the first Test next week.
Aus vs Ban 1st WTC Test – Worries increase for Phil Simmons after Bangladesh's tour-game collapse
Rookie left-arm quick Campbell Thompson destroyed Bangladesh in their second innings with an eight-wicket haul as they lasted just 17 overs on the third morning, having started on 19 for 2. Tanzid Hasan's 22 was the only double-digit score.
