Phil Simmons Ditches Bangladesh ODI for London Doctor's Visit

Bangladesh cricket coach Phil Simmons will skip the second game against Sri Lanka because he needs to see a doctor. The cricket board announced Friday that Simmons has a medical appointment waiting for him back home. He must fly out to London on July 4th and expects to return three days later. The team will have to manage without their head coach for the crucial second match. This creates extra pressure for Bangladesh after they already lost the first game badly.

The Tigers got crushed during their opening match against Sri Lanka and trail the series one game to nothing. Saturday brings another chance for Bangladesh to fight back and level the series. Without Simmons on the sidelines, the players will need to step up and show what they can do. The coach will miss all the action as he deals with his personal health matters. His absence could hurt the team when they need strong leadership most.

Bangladesh faces a must-win situation if they want to keep their hopes alive for the final match. The series hangs in the balance after that heavy defeat left them behind early. Simmons will watch from afar as his team tries to bounce back from their poor start. The medical trip means he cannot help guide the squad through this important game. Players will have to rely on themselves and the remaining coaching staff to turn things around.