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BSP-10
CRICKET-BD-CHANGE-TEAM
Bangladesh reluctant to bring any change to the side for 2nd Test
DHAKA, April 28, 2021 (BSS)—Bangladesh team management made it clear that they would prefer to stick with the same team from the drawn first Test for the second and final game of the series against Sri Lanka, beginning tomorrow (Thursday) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Despite the batsmen and the bowlers performing up to the mark in the first Test, there was some disappointment also with opener Saif Hassan being out in single digit figure in both innings while pacer Abu Jayed Rahi couldn’t live up to the expectation.
But Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo believes they have to be patient with the players and give them a fair crack before ruling them out from the scenario.
“I definitely still want to give Saif Hassan a go. Opening the batting is hard in Tests. A lot of openers take a bit of time to find their feet. We want to provide another opportunity tomorrow. It is always nice to have a right and left-hand opening combination. Saif will play tomorrow,” Domingo said, making his intention about the team combination clear.
While he was strict about his view in the case of Saif, he also talked in favour of Abu Jayed Rahi, who has been arguably the best pacer for Bangladesh over the years in longer version format. But one bad Test in Sri Lanka made him subject to criticism.
“He (Rahi) hasn’t played for a while. It is his first Test since West Indies six or seven weeks ago. I know he is a quality bowler. I know the wicket probably didn’t suit him in the first Test. Generally, he is the most consistent pace bowler in Bangladesh. He gives us good control. If selected, I am expecting him to put in a big performance in the next five days,” Domingo added.
Domingo also made it clear that the three pacers who played the first Test, would be in starting line up in second game also and Shoriful Islam would have to wait for his chance.
“I think they are our three leading fast bowlers at the moment. I have been very impressed with Shoriful (Islam), who showed some really good stuff in the nets. I would like to keep the same three going. But I have to consider their workload from the last Test that ended a few days ago.
Taskin bowled 37 overs, Ebadot bowled 30-odd and Rahi bowled 20-odd. I want to make sure they are fresh and ready to give 100 percent again in a couple of days. We have given them two days off. We just want to see how they feel in today’s light practice,” he remarked.
“The first priority is to make all three play again. I want to be consistent in selection and give the guys a fair crack as possible, to perform at Test-level. I think Taskin has played seven, Rahi has maybe played 18 Tests. They are very inexperienced, so the more opportunity we can give them, the better for them,” he clarified.
Bangladesh’s five bowlers and six batsmen policy in the first Test also worked well. The Tigers basically went with the strategy due to the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, who earlier gave the side a luxury to play one more batsman and bowler.
“I need to chat with the selectors this afternoon, but I think that’s the way forward. When you have Shakib in the team, it allows you to play seven batters. When you don’t have that allrounder, we have to be brave, and try to have five bowlers who can get us 20 wickets. If it was solely up to me, it would be the way to go, but there’s a panel of selectors that need to be consulted with, and it has to be a decision that we all have to support,” Domingo informed.
BSS/SMP/AU/16:50 hrs