While some view it as a “second-string” side, Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons strongly disagrees.
“I don’t understand the term ‘second-string team’. Any national side represents the best of that country. Especially a team like New Zealand, where new talents keep emerging. These players have played a lot of domestic cricket in all formats. They are experienced. Maybe they have played fewer international matches, but they have been playing cricket for a long time. So there is no such thing as a second-string team at international level,” Simmons said.
Bangladesh head into the series on the back of a 2-1 ODI series win over Pakistan, with players like Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Nahid Rana impressing. Simmons is hoping for similar conditions against the New Zealand.
“That’s what we want. I’ve seen that when we play on good wickets, the team improves quickly. So I’m trying to ensure we play on better surfaces as much as possible.”
Despite New Zealand missing several regulars, Simmons expects a competitive contest.
“Pakistan also had quality pacers. Every series is challenging. New Zealand might challenge us differently. We are preparing for all kinds of situations, just like we did before the Pakistan series. We expect a competitive series.”
Both the ODI and T20I matches will be played in daylight, with no day-night fixtures. Simmons said the team is adjusting its preparations accordingly.
“There will be some differences. In daylight, wickets can be slower or assist spin. Our training sessions are planned in a way that helps us adapt to these conditions.”
The ODI series begins in Mirpur, with the first two matches at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, while the final game will be held in Chattogram.
