Coach Salahuddin: Bangladesh Stable in Tests and T20s, ODI Still Needs Fixing

Bangladesh was considered a fairly consistent team in the ODI format a few years ago. That version of the team that was preferred is no longer in a comfortable position due to batting failures. Apart from this, Bangladesh is not on the path to improvement in T20 and Test. Recently, the Tigers have dropped to number 10 in the rankings of both formats of limited-overs cricket. However, according to coach Mohammad Salahuddin, the disciples are now almost consistent in T20, the rest of the calculation is in ODI!

Especially the aggressive playing style of the two openers Tanjid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon has given confidence to the senior assistant coach of the Tigers. In an interview with Cricbuzz, Mohammad Salahuddin said, ‘Emon and Tamim have been playing together since the Under-19 level. The most important thing is that they have tasted winning the World Cup. As a result, they can play fearless cricket and shots. They have the courage and shots that are needed at the Under-19 level.’

Recently, Mahmudullah Riyad said goodbye to international cricket, leaving only the door open for Test cricket for Mushfiqur Rahim. Tamim Iqbal retired earlier. Shakib Al Hasan has kept the door open for only one format, which is also uncertain. Overall, Coach Salahuddin said that he faced challenges with the departure of several seniors, ‘When I first came to the team (as a coach), I tried to find the main problem. “Since we don’t have experienced cricketers, we now need a good opening pair to get off to a good start.”

“After a long time in Tests, Sadman (Islam) is in good shape. We are looking for another opener. In ODIs and T20Is, we play with five-six batters. Our lower-order batters are not performing well. So it is not possible to change everything at once, small fine-tuning is needed quickly. If the openers are set, then the team will go a long way. So it is better to make changes gradually rather than changing everything at once,” added Salahuddin.

The senior assistant coach also claimed that the Bangladesh team is stable in Tests and T20s, “Our Test team is now very stable. They have been together for a long time, everyone’s role is clear. Who will bat, who will bowl, who will handle the pace attack. There is not much change, and there will be no such change in the future. We have almost reached that consistency in T20s as well. But in the case of the ODI team, there are still some calculations to be made. There are many things to keep in mind here. In ODIs, you have to rely more on experienced players. Shakib-Mushfiqur-Mahmudullah have played in the middle-order for a long time. Now we have not been able to permanently install anyone in that position.”

“In ODIs, you have to change roles quickly, one way if you get a wicket and another way if you don’t. One way after 10 overs, another way after 30 overs. That comes from experience. Once you learn to read the situation and play according to the calculation, you will improve in this position. Although ODIs are said to be our strength, we have not yet fully adapted to the new setup of the middle-order. Positions four, five, six are important. It is important to rotate strikes here and play according to the needs of the match. Earlier, there was stability in this position for a long time, now it has suddenly disappeared. It will take time for newcomers. We are consistent in Tests or T20s because everyone knows what their role is. Once you reach that level in ODIs, everything will become easier.”

It is worth noting that the Bangladesh team is holding a fitness camp at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. After that, they will start a skill development camp. Later, they will go to Sylhet and camp in the second phase and play a three-match T20 series with the Netherlands from August 30. Which will be the preparation for the Asia Cup in that format.

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