The Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has urged the Bangladesh Cricket team to focus on the ODI format ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.
He pointed out to his players the need to change their mindset from T20 cricket to 50 over format.
While other teams are preparing through the bilateral ODI series, the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side enters the tournament after playing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Simmons revealed that it might not be an ideal preparation and needs to focus on adapting to 50-over format. Simmons has put a focused training regimen to help the players shift gears and be ready for the 50-over contest.
“I agree that it is not the best preparation. But they were playing white-ball cricket, which means that they are sharp skills-wise. We have to get their minds up to 50-over cricket in the next six or seven days.”
“They have the skills. They are performing. It is about getting to that 50-over mentality now. We will have double practice sessions in the next couple of days.”
“We bat and bowl in the morning and then do the same under the lights. We are getting ourselves prepared to bat for 50 overs,” said Phil Simmons.
Bangladesh will be having intense double practice sessions, covering batting and bowling departments double practice sessions, covering both batting and bowling under different conditions.
The Bangladesh is confident that the players have the skillset but need to work on their ability to pace themselves over 50 overs.
“The first part of the preparation is about Dubai. Once we can get ourselves in the right frame of mind, and work on the right things for Dubai, I think we can start the start the competition well.”
“We will get familiar conditions in Pakistan after that. We have not seen any residue from the BPL in the days of training camp so far,” added Phil Simmons.
“Players are looking to get time in the middle, to get into the frame of mind of batting long and bowling in the right areas in 50-over cricket. I don’t think it is going to affect them in any way,” he further continued.
“He (Najmul) was working very hard when he wasn’t playing. We are going to need a strong mental attitude from everyone in the team.”
“I think (Shanto) possesses that, so I look forward to continuing his work. He( Nahid Rana) has looked slower than normal in the last couple of games. The run-up was less than normal approaching the wicket.”
“They got knocked out early so he had a bit of rest. He looked sharp in training yesterday. The pace was coming back. The run-up was as quick as it was in the Caribbean,” Simmons concluded.
As per Bangladesh Champions Trophy schedule, their first match will be against India on February 20 at Dubai International Stadium.
