Simmons believes Bangladesh will bounce back after heavy defeat in Australia warm-up

Australia vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh team during warm-up game
Bangladesh team during warm-up game
Online Desk
Online Desk
Bangladesh's long-awaited return to Test cricket in Australia got off to a disappointing start as they suffered an innings-and-38-run defeat to a Cricket Australia XI in Darwin.

However, head coach Phil Simmons remains confident that his side can address their shortcomings before the opening Test on August 13.

Bangladesh's batting was the biggest concern, with the visitors bowled out for just 54 in their second innings after managing 263 in the first.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz's century was the only major contribution in the opening innings, while the rest of the batters struggled against the CA XI attack.

Their second innings proved even more troubling, as Campbell Thompson's spell exposed Bangladesh's vulnerability against the red ball.

Although warm-up results are generally not given much importance, being dismissed for 54 ahead of a Test series against Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Australia's formidable pace attack will serve as a warning for the visitors.

Simmons admitted that the batting performance was below expectations but insisted the team would learn from the experience.

"I think we disappointed ourselves with our batting in this practice match. If you look at the way we got out, it wasn't good at all. It was a disappointing match, but we're moving forward and looking towards the Test match," Simmons said after the game.

Despite the heavy defeat, the Bangladesh coach believes the three-day practice match provided valuable preparation ahead of the first Test.

"I think the three days we had and the different things we worked on were very good," he said.

There were some positives for Bangladesh, particularly from their pace attack. All the quicks in the squad managed to take wickets during the match, with Hasan Mahmud standing out with four wickets.

Simmons now wants his players to focus on correcting their mistakes during the remaining days before the Test.

"I think we've got another three days to work on the things we need to do properly in the Test match. I believe the boys will work hard over the next three days to get us where we want to be for the Test match," he said.

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