Simmons concerned over Taijul's form as Bangladesh weigh Test changes

Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has admitted that Taijul Islam's recent lack of wickets is a major concern as the hosts consider changes to their bowling combination for the second Test against West Indies, beginning in Sylhet on Thursday.

Taijul, one of Bangladesh's most dependable Test bowlers over the years, has taken only five wickets in his last four matches. His disappointing return in the opening Test in Mirpur, where Bangladesh's spin attack struggled to make an impact, has raised questions about his place in the side.

"It's hugely concerning because he's one of the major spinners we have in the team. So it has to be concerning," Simmons said at Wednesday's press conference.

The coach acknowledged that the situation was also concerning for the player himself, stressing Taijul's importance to the team's bowling resources.

"I'm sure it's concerning for him too. When you're discussing with him, it is concerning for him too, as well as the team, because he is a major weapon that we have in this team," he added.

Despite the concerns over his form, Simmons indicated that fitness was not currently a major issue. Taijul had experienced discomfort during the UAE tour, but the coach said his recent training sessions had offered encouraging signs.

"I know he had a little bit of trouble in UAE, but since then, he's throwing well, he's bowling full bore, he's bowled full practice yesterday, so it doesn't seem to be affecting him," Simmons said.

However, the possibility of leaving Taijul out of the playing XI is now under consideration. Asked whether Bangladesh could field two right-arm spinners instead, Simmons did not dismiss the option.

"It is something that you have to think about," he said, adding that the final combination would be discussed after the team's training session.

Bangladesh's spin-heavy strategy failed to deliver in the first Test, with West Indies' spinners proving considerably more effective in their eight-wicket victory. Simmons admitted that his bowlers had not performed well but maintained that spin remained an important part of Bangladesh's strength.

"We didn't bowl well and we understand that. The discussions we've had, we understand that we didn't bowl well, but it's not something that happens all the time," he said.

"The spinners are part of our strength. We've had a lot of fast bowlers coming through now, but the spinners are also part of our strength."

Bangladesh trail the two-match series 1-0 and must win in Sylhet to avoid a home series defeat. The team management is also weighing the possibility of strengthening the pace attack as it looks for a more balanced approach after the setback in Dhaka.