Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons frames possible absences as opportunities

An ICC report says Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons wants batters to view the possible absence of key players as a chance to enter the playing XI and perform. Experienced right-hander Litton Das is battling to be fit for the first Test against West Indies, having yet to regain full fitness after a hip joint concern.

The injury has already ruled Litton out of Bangladesh's ongoing ODI tri-series in the UAE, and he has not been declared fit for the ICC World Test Championship 2025/27 series. The first Test is scheduled to begin in Dhaka on 28 October, followed by the second in Sylhet on 5 November; Bangladesh have yet to name their squad.

Bangladesh are fourth in the ICC World Test Championship standings and will seek to make the most of home conditions against the tourists, the report says. After losing a series to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh beat Pakistan 2-0 and drew 1-1 away to Australia, results that helped the side secure crucial points.