'I am one who hardly likes to change winning XIs' - Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons on Shoriful Islam's potential comeback in Mackay Test

Bangladesh carry a 1-0 series lead into the second and final Test against Australia in Mackay, which begins on August 22. The Tigers won the first Test by nine wickets in Darwin, a result that has placed them in a strong position heading into the match at a venue making its Test debut. Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons now faces a selection decision as the team prepares for the fixture scheduled to run until August 26.

Left-arm medium-fast bowler Shoriful Islam is in contention to return for the Mackay Test after missing the Darwin match due to a hamstring injury sustained during Bangladesh's tour of Zimbabwe. The 24-year-old pacer has recovered in time to be considered for selection.

Speaking to reporters in Mackay on Wednesday, Shoriful expressed his readiness for the upcoming encounter.

"I am always ready. Let's see what is in my destiny, InshaAllah, and hopefully I can play the match," Shoriful told reporters.

Simmons acknowledged Shoriful's value to the bowling attack but emphasised his reluctance to alter a successful combination. The Bangladesh coach stated that Shoriful offers something different to the team's bowling options. However, Simmons explained his preference for maintaining continuity after the Darwin victory.

"He (Shoriful) offers something different, but again, we just won a Test match, so I am one who hardly likes to change winning XIs," Simmons said, as per ICC.

Simmons on selection philosophy and Shoriful's potential inclusion

Shoriful was one of Bangladesh's two premier strike bowlers before the tour of Australia, which marked the Tigers' first visit to Australian soil for a Test series in 23 years. His availability for the Mackay Test represents a potential boost to Bangladesh's bowling resources as they aim to build on their advantage in the series.

Simmons also indicated that the final selection decision remained pending. The coach acknowledged the possibility of including Shoriful but stressed the need for further deliberation with his selection panel before confirming the playing eleven.

Also Read: We believe the team we have is capable of playing in any conditions, says Bangladesh captain Shanto

Simmons expressed confidence in the bowling performance during the Darwin victory and highlighted the quality of Australia's batting lineup. He emphasised the importance of maintaining the approach that had proven successful in the first Test.

"So it is a possibility, but I can't really say until we sit down and decide what we want to do," Simmons said.

"I'm impressed with all the bowlers because I think everybody bowled to what we spoke about (in Darwin ). They ( Australia ) are good batters, they're world-class batters," he added.