Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has left the team midway through their ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka in away conditions. Simmons's exit comes at a challenging time for Bangladesh, who suffered a 1-0 defeat in the Test series and went on to lose the opening ODI of the three-match contest.
Bangladesh suffered a 77-run loss to Sri Lanka in Colombo on Wednesday, July 2. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed described his team’s batting collapse in the series opener as “unexpected,” after Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis dismantled the lineup by sharing seven wickets.
Phil Simmons has left the team during their white-ball series in Sri Lanka for a medical consultation in London. He departed for England on Friday for a brief two-day trip.
Amid speculation that Simmons had been summoned by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam for a review, his visit is confirmed to be for medical reasons. According to Cricbuzz, Simmons had to postpone the appointment earlier due to the Champions Trophy commitments.
“Phil Simmons is going to tour for two days for personal reasons. He had a doctor’s appointment in February but he missed that due to Champions Trophy. Now the appointment with the physicians cannot be changed. He tried to change it but somehow he could not do that,” Bangladesh team manager Nafees Iqbal confirmed.
Phil Simmons Expected to Rejoin Bangladesh Squad Ahead of 3rd ODI
The official confirmed that Phil Simmons is expected to rejoin the team on July 7. He also clarified that Simmons had informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board about his travel plans well in advance.
“Before the start of the tour, he spoke with the board in this regard and planned accordingly. He is leaving today and will return on 7 July,” he added.
Simmons will miss the second ODI against Sri Lanka, scheduled for Saturday, July 5, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. However, he is expected to rejoin the squad in time for the third and final ODI. After the conclusion of the ODI series, Bangladesh are set to play a three-match T20I series.
Bangladesh Lost Seven Wickets for Just Five Runs in 1st ODI vs Sri Lanka
Bangladesh seemed to be in control while chasing a target of 245 in the first ODI against Sri Lanka. They reached 100 runs for the loss of one wicket by the 17th over. However, the team lost seven wickets for just five runs, collapsing to 107 for 8.
Bangladesh were bowled out for 167, losing the match from a comfortable position. Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis were instrumental in triggering the collapse, taking seven wickets between them and dismantling the middle order.
It was the worst seven-wicket collapse in men’s ODI history. The previous record was held by the USA, who lost seven for eight runs against Nepal in 2020.
With two matches still remaining in the series, Bangladesh will need to regroup quickly to keep their hopes alive.
Also read: England camp announces Jofra Archer's return date vs India
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