DHAKA, June 15, 2025 (BSS)-Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons hoped that the 
allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be able to play the first Test against Sri 
Lanka, starting on Tuesday at Galle.

Miraz, also the vice-captain of the Test team and a key component in team's 
combination is currently battling a fever. He had missed the practice session 
of the side, raising a doubt about his participation in the first Test, which 
marks Bangladesh's journey in the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

"The last update this morning is that he's been a lot better over the last 
couple of days, and we'll see how he is this evening after medication," 
Simmons told the reporters at Galle today. "Hopefully, he will be able to 
practice tomorrow and be ready."

Miraz is Bangladesh's highest run-getter and wicket-taker in the last one 
year, having scored 598 runs alongside 41 wickets. 

While his record spoke the volume of his importance, Simmons admitted his 
fever is a concern for the side. But the head coach wants to pin hope on 
others if Miraz fails to get well in time.

"Yes, it definitely adds a bit of concern (Miraz's unavailability), but one 
man's trouble is another man's joy. I am sure the guys are willing him to get 
better, but they also know that if he doesn't play, someone has to step up," 
he said.

"It's a little bit of a headache, but a nice headache to have."

The visitors, however, began their full-fledged preparation for the first 
time today after reaching at Galle for the first Test. A heavy rain and 
thunderstorms kept them indoors at the team hotel for the last couple of 
days.

Simmons also spoke on senior player Mushfiqur Rahim who had announced his 
arrival at the highest level with a double century in Galle back in 2013. The 
Caribbean coach said that he simply wants Mushfiqur to enjoy his cricket.

"The expectation for him (Mushfiqur) is to enjoy what he is doing. The last 
time I looked back at the innings he played here, he seemed to be enjoying 
his game and that's all I am asking of him," he said.

"There is no expectation on him more than any other player, so I just want 
him to enjoy his game."

Simmons revealed that he expects some turn from the Galle surface.

"The wicket looks very good. Tomorrow, there will be another roll and cut, 
and we'll see what we actually have. It always turns here, it's just a 
question of how much it will turn," he said.