Bangladesh Cricket Board Cricket (BCB) Operations Chairman Najmul Abedin Fahim admitted he was left “shocked” by Bangladesh’s lacklustre display in the ongoing Colombo Test, expressing disappointment after the team’s batting collapse left them on the brink of an innings defeat.
“Obviously, feeling shocked. There was some expectation since they showed character in Galle. Win or loss aside, we were hoping to see the same character and competition here,” Fahim told reporters at the team hotel at Colombo on Friday.
“We could have played much better on day one, especially those who got set. Three or four of them got set and got out. They needed to play big innings and score heavily in the first innings. Then, I believe they could have put some pressure on the opposition. I didn’t watch the second innings, but they were under pressure,” he said.
Despite the disappointment, Fahim struck an optimistic note as the ODI squad arrived in Colombo on Friday, shifting focus to the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka.
He expressed hope that the return of frontline pacers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman from injury would strengthen the side.
However, experienced paceman Taskin is yet to join the squad in Sri Lanka.
“It will be challenging. They play an attacking brand of cricket. Even in the Test matches, they played more like ODI cricket,” Fahim said. “We are hopeful because our bowlers have made a comeback. Taskin and Mustafiz have returned from injury, and they will strengthen the team. In batting, new players will join, and hopefully, they will play positive and competitive cricket.”
Fahim also had a clear, simple message for newly appointed ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz ahead of his first series as skipper.
“No other expectations. His job is to lead the team and lead it well, to bring the best out of the other players in the side while focusing on his own performance. He has been doing well in ODIs, and we hope he continues that,” Fahim said.
Source: The Daily Sun
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