ZCZC
BSP-31
CRICKET-SHAKIB-POST-MATCH
Batting position doesn’t matter for Shakib
DHAKA, Jan 20, 2021 (BSS) – Bangladesh ace all-rounder Shakib Al
Hasan dismissed the debate whether it was right to change his batting
position, stating that he puts the team’s priority first than his
individual likings.
Shakib time and again expressed his likings for No.3 position in
which he earned some tremendous success. But the position was changed
by the insistence of the team management who wants to groom up young
players in this position. Shakib therefore was brought down to No.4
position in the ongoing series against West Indies.
“The coach, captain and team management has taken a decision which I
must respect. Doesn’t matter whether I agree or disagree with this
decision,” Shakib said here today.
“I always play for my team and put team’s priority first rather than
my individual achievement. And moreover I don’t think the batting
position will create any difference,” he added.
Shakib’s bowling however was key in Bangladesh’s six-wicket win over
West Indies in the opening game of the three-match ODI series. He also
scored 19 runs, batting at No.4 position. But he was adjudged player
of the match for his four wickets, conceding just eight runs in 7.2
overs.
The wily left-arm spinner’s measly bowling helped Bangladesh bowl
West Indies out for 122 runs. Bangladesh then chased it down with 97
balls to spare, losing four wickets.
Shakib said despite winning the game with ease, there is nothing to
feel complacent.
“If you think they are not good team because their first choice
players didn’t come, you will make a mistake. Even we beat their full
strength team at home and away. But they are always good team and we
should not feel complacent for this victory. They won’t let us to make
it cake-walk. We have to do hard work to beat them,” he said.
The all-rounder was back after being given a two-year ban by the
International Cricket Council in October 2019, with one year
suspended, for failing to report approaches from a bookmaker.
Shakib’s today’s performance was a stark contrast to what he showed
in the Bangabandhu T20 Cup. He indeed struggled in both batting and
bowling but he showed the real Shakib in on his International return.
He said, representing the country matters most for him.
“It doesn’t matter how badly I performed in the domestic tournament.
What matters to me is to how I represent my country. So I am happy
with my performance today. It would have been more pleasing had I
finished the game of my own,” he remarked.
BSS/SMP/MRU/1952hrs