SL vs BAN | Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons to miss second ODI due to medical reasons

‌Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons is set to miss his side’s second ODI against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday due to medical reasons. Simmons flew out from Sri Lanka on Friday to honour his medical appointment in the United Kingdom and is expected to be back in the island nation on Monday. The former West Indies player will helm the side in the third and final ODI at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele the following day.

"Phil Simmons is going to tour for two days for personal reasons," Bangladesh team manager Nafees Iqbal confirmed on Friday. "He had a doctor's appointment in February but he missed that due to the Champions Trophy. Now the appointment with the physicians cannot be changed.

“He tried to change it (appointment) but somehow he could not do that. Before the start of the tour, he spoke with the board in this regard (meeting the physicians) and planned accordingly. He is leaving today and will return on 7 July."

After their 1-0 loss to Sri Lanka in the two-Test series, the Tigers started the three-match ODI leg on the wrong foot as well, slumping to a 77-run defeat to the hosts in Colombo on Wednesday. The second ODI will also be played at the same venue before action shifts to Pallekele.

Bangladesh are also scheduled to play a three-match T20I series against the Lankans from July 10.