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BSP-13
CRICKET-DOMINGO-PACERS
Domingo backs Liton, Soumya to fire in series against Sri Lanka
DHAKA, May 22, 2021 (BSS)—Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo backed Liton Das and Soumya to come all guns blazing in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.
The first match of the series starts tomorrow (Sunday) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
While the duo had already showed what they are capable of, they are simply not enough consistent, which is now a headache for the team management, as it is believed that they are the two who could lead Bangladesh team in the absence of the senior players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim.
But Domingo didn’t want to lose his faith in them and made sure he would continue to back them.
“I have a lot of faith in Liton, who I think is a quality player. He needs a bit of luck. I don’t think there’s a question mark in his ability. All players go through five or six games when they don’t do well. I think the challenge is to make sure you keep backing those players. I think a big score is just around the corner,” Domingo said here today during a virtual press conference.
“Soumya is good enough in both roles. He can be an option lower down but he can play in the top-order. He batted at No 3 in New Zealand.”
Domingo also had the headache of finding a genuine all-rounder in which Saifuddin was tested. But Saifuddin’s poor form with willow came as a blow for the team’s aspiration.
“I think we are trying to find someone that can slot into the No 7 role – a batter who can offer a spin bowling option. There’s Afif and Mosaddek while we have floated with the idea of Soumya being down there. Mosaddek is competing for a spot in the lower middle order. Someone who can finish games, good fielder – a good package who can bat and bowl.”
“I think Saifuddin has had a couple of niggles which has set him back a little bit. He is down in confidence but he has been an important player for this team. Shohidul is a backup player, to provide Saifuddin a bit of competition. We are still looking for a genuine allrounder. Saifuddin is very much a bowler who can hit the ball at the backend. He is not good enough to bat in the top six yet, but he has done pretty well for Bangladesh in the past, particularly in Bangladesh. We are pretty confident that he can regain some of that form.”
However, Domingo is relaxed with his bowling option and hinted that with Shakib Al Hasan back in the team, his side would go with three pacers in the first ODI against Sri Lanka.
“Three seamers is definitely an option going into tomorrow’s game. Shakib back and Riyad being able to bowl, it provides us with good spinning options,” he said.
“Miraz is currently ranked very high in the bowling rankings. He was our standout performer in white-ball cricket. Riyad is back bowling again, which is a big plus. Young Mahedi did well for us in New Zealand, and he is very much in the frame.”
BSS/SMP/AU/18:05 hrs