Bangladesh coach Simmons wary of wounded Australia in second test

SportsBangladesh coach Simmons wary of wounded Australia in second testBy Reuters -Aug 21, 2026Add ARY News on GoogleAAResizeBangladesh coach Phil Simmons has warned his players to expect a fierce backlash from Australia in the second test after his side shocked the cricket world with a nine-wicket, opens new tab victory in the series ​opener in Darwin. Australian media dubbed the defeat the “Darwin Disaster” and Simmons said his side ‌could not afford to be complacent when they face the World Test Championship standings leaders in Mackay from Saturday. “The only thing I had to say to them – and I will repeat it anyway – is that Australia is going to ​come harder,” Simmons said. “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 win in Darwin was Bangladesh’s first ​test victory on Australian soil and Simmons said that it was among the most satisfying results of his long career coaching red-ball cricket. The former West Indies all-rounder also hinted he was reluctant to alter a winning combination despite left-arm ​pacer Shoriful Islam pressing for selection after impressing in training. Shoriful, who has taken 27 wickets in 13 ​tests, missed the first match because of a hamstring injury. “He offers something different. But again, we just won a ‌test match,” ⁠Simmons said. Read more: Bangladesh Test cricket reboot delivers in style with historic win “I’m one … who hardly likes to change winning teams. So it’s a possibility, but I can’t really say.” Australia confirmed on Friday they would be making just one change to their team for the second test with Matt Renshaw coming in at the top of the order for Jake Weatherald, who ​was dropped on Tuesday. Captain Pat ​Cummins said Australia were ⁠considering bringing in a fourth paceman in the shape of...