"It's Hugely Concerning": Bangladesh Coach Phil Simmons On Taijul Islam's Struggles

Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has expressed concern over Taijul Islam's recent dip in form, describing it as "hugely concerning" ahead of the second and final Test against West Indies, which begins in Sylhet on Thursday. Bangladesh will be looking to level the series after suffering an eight-wicket defeat in the opening Test. Taijul, the country's leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, is expected to play a crucial role as the hosts attempt to bounce back. However, the left-arm spinner has struggled in recent matches, managing just five wickets in his last four Tests. Simmons admitted that Taijul's current form is a major concern, given the importance of the spinner to Bangladesh's bowling attack.

"It's hugely concerning because he's one of the major spinners we have in the team. When you're discussing Taijul's form with him, it is concerning for him too, as well as for the team, because he is a major weapon that we have in this team," Simmons was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

There were also concerns about Taijul's fitness after he bowled 48 overs in the fourth innings against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

However, Simmons suggested the spinner was not facing any significant physical issues, while leaving the final assessment to the team's medical staff.

"That you'll have to ask the medical staff. I know he had a little bit of trouble in the UAE, but since then, he's thrown well, he's bowling full bore and he bowled a full practice session yesterday, so it doesn't seem to be affecting him," he said.

The Bangladesh coach also addressed his side's batting struggles, admitting they have failed to replicate the standards they displayed during the Test in Darwin.

"Since Darwin, we haven't batted well. We showed what we are capable of if the determination to bat is there, but since that Test, we have not batted well in the formats we have played," Simmons said.

"I don't think it's hard to replicate. One thing I can tell you is that the guys have been working hard. They are training with the same intensity and in the same manner as they did before Darwin," he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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