'It wasn’t nice' - Phil Simmons opens up on Bangladesh's poor batting display against CA XI

Bangladesh suffered a heavy defeat in their three-day warm-up match against Australia XI at Marrara Oval in Darwin on August 8, 2026. The touring side was bowled out for 54 in their second innings, losing by an innings and 38 runs after CA XI posted 355 in response to Bangladesh's first-innings total of 263.

The collapse came in just 17 overs on the third morning, with only Tanzid Hasan reaching double figures by scoring 22 runs. Left-arm quick Campbell Thompson claimed 8 for 25, closing out the match with two wickets in two balls.

Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons reflected on the disappointing performance as Bangladesh prepared for the first Test against Australia, scheduled to begin on August 13. The warm-up match exposed significant batting vulnerabilities that needed urgent attention before the series began.

"I think we let ourselves down with the bat in this practice match, and you look at how we got out and it wasn’t nice," Simmons was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.

Campbell Thompson's match-winning performance

Campbell Thompson, a 22-year-old from South Australia with just one first-class match to his name, delivered a match-winning performance that showcased his potential at the highest level. His exceptional bowling display against a Test side just days before a series provided valuable experience and exposure to international cricket.

"Sometimes you get lucky. It fell my way today, which was nice. It's always a good experience and opportunity to come and play up against a Test side a few days out from a series. Then to play alongside experienced Aussie guys as well, like Kurtis Patterson and Corey Rocchiccioli and stuff like that. So, just involving myself around these guys has been awesome," Thompson said.

Simmons backs Bangladesh to recover before the Test

Simmons expressed confidence that Bangladesh would use the remaining time before the Test to address their batting concerns and prepare properly for the series. With four days between the warm-up match and the first Test, the head coach believed his team had sufficient opportunity to work on their technical and tactical approach.

"I think that we have three [four] days to work on what we have to do properly in the Test match," Simmons said.

Taijul Islam expected to be fit for the first Test

Taijul Islam, Bangladesh's key spinner, sustained a finger injury while batting on the opening day but was expected to recover in time for the first Test. Physio Bayjedul Islam Khan provided an encouraging update on the player's condition, noting that swelling and pain had decreased significantly since the injury occurred.

"The injury that Taijul sustained while batting day before yesterday is much better now, both swelling and pain have decreased," Khan said.