Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has identified the mental challenge of adapting to UAE heat as the key concern for players arriving from the Asian Games.
Bangladesh will face Afghanistan in a one-off Test scheduled for October 9-13, 2026 at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The touring party includes players who were representing Bangladesh at the Asian Games in Japan and have only recently linked up with the Test squad on October 6. This transition from the Asian Games to the UAE presents a significant challenge for the team.
Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons identified the adjustment to the UAE climate as the primary concern for the squad. Players returning from Japan had limited training opportunities during the Asian Games due to persistent rain, while the rest of the Test squad had spent the preceding days training in the scorching UAE heat and featured in a two-day practice match against the UAE, which ended in a draw on Monday.
"Well, that's the only issue right now (how they adjust in the UAE coming from Asian Games) as the guys who came from Japan and are not doing much there and then having to come in this weather," Simmons said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
How players from the Asian Games will adjust to UAE heat?
Simmons spoke on Wednesday, October 7, reflecting on the immediate challenge facing his squad as they prepared for the Test encounter. The mental and physical demands of transitioning from Japan's conditions to the intense heat of Abu Dhabi required careful management and monitoring.
"Two days in this weather and it's how they adjust, because it's a mental thing at the end of the day, and it's how they adjust," Simmons said.
What to expect from the Abu Dhabi wicket and Afghanistan's bowling?
Simmons expressed confidence in the quality of the Abu Dhabi pitch and outlined Bangladesh's preparation strategy against Afghanistan's bowling attack. The wicket assessment and understanding of the opposition's strengths would shape the team's approach to the Test.
"I'm looking at the wicket and the wicket looks good. It looks like it can be a little bit slow but it looks to be a good wicket," Simmons said.
"The preparation has been good and the guys have worked well and we're looking forward to a couple days from now," he added.