Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has said his side is determined to create new history against Pakistan as they prepare for the upcoming Test series on home soil.

Bangladesh had registered a historic 2-0 series win against Pakistan in 2024 under former coach Chandika Hathurusingha. However, Simmons is now focused on building on that success and achieving another milestone in the longest format.

Before that breakthrough, Bangladesh had struggled heavily against Pakistan in Test cricket, failing to win any of their first 13 matches. They were also whitewashed 2-0 in a home series in Mirpur during the 2021/22 season.

Pakistan have arrived in Dhaka for their first Test series against Bangladesh since that 2024 encounter. The opening Test is scheduled to begin on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday (May 6), Simmons said past results will not matter once the new series begins.

“The history of the 2021/22 series is in the past. We want to create new history. The previous win gives us confidence, but the match starting Friday is a completely new one. We are now playing in Bangladesh, not Pakistan, so we must forget the past and focus on what happens on the field,” he said.

Bangladesh recently concluded two white-ball series against New Zealand, but the coach is not concerned about switching formats.

“Moving from white-ball to red-ball cricket is mainly a mental adjustment. Many of our players have been working with the red ball over the past few months, so the transition should not be too difficult,” Simmons added.

He also spoke highly of veteran cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim, who is set to play his 100th Test.

“Mushfiqur reaching his 100th Test takes him to another level. From what I have seen, whether it is his first, 50th or 100th Test, it is all the same to him. He believes in his preparation and will treat his 101st Test just like any other,” Simmons said.