Fine-tuning a settled group the need of the hour

Fine-tuning a settled group the need of the hour0

Despite Bangladesh’s domination in the One-Day International format, the series against Ireland taught the Tigers important lessons about the mindset that is necessary on the world level, and they were able to conclude their campaign on a high note by winning two close games.

The series will provide a boost to preparations for the World Cup, even if there are still a few issues that need to be handled, the most important of which is the team that will compete in the World Cup in India.

Tamim Iqbal’s return to scoring runs was an encouraging development, despite the fact that the skipper struggled to find his rhythm during a 69-run knock in the third one-day international. Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, and Hasan Mahmud are three young men who have distinguished themselves in recent years.

Shanto, in particular, has gone through every conceivable stage that Bangladesh cricket has to give in order to be where he is at this point, and it is a testament to the BCB and their show of trust despite criticism that he is where he is.

If the Tigers want to enter the World Cup with a consistent collection of players, they need to demonstrate during the entire campaign that they believe in the process.

That is the point where the noise from the outside has begun to have an effect. The possibility that Mahmudullah Riyad will play in the World Cup is becoming more prevalent; yet, in order to keep the process on track, Riyad should have participated in the most recent series that he was supposedly “rested” for.

If there were doubts about Mahmudullah’s ability before the previous Twenty20 World Cup, then by what standards can he be selected for this tournament? His performances have propelled him to the front of the pack, and the experience that is currently being discussed might not be the be all and end all of it.

After all, Bangladesh was left with the unpleasant taste of experiencing players with years of expertise not being able to lead through their performances in the ODI World Cup 2019. An experience that is not supported by performances has the risk of being terrible once more.

The players who are trying to carve out a position for themselves via their performances will not be helped by the noise from outside. This is the more significant point.

“I can’t claim that this is the team that will compete in the World Cup. There are one or two open positions, and we are currently considering candidates to fill them. “Afif [Hossain] is there, Yasir [Ali] as well, who was extremely unlucky not to get a game here, and Riyad bhai is there as well,” the captain Tamim Iqbal had stated after the second one-day international on Sunday.

Before the World Cup, Bangladesh will put their bench strength to the test by playing in a series against Afghanistan, competing in the Asia Cup, and playing a series against New Zealand. “I have an open mind, and we will go for whoever suits our team the best,” Tamim stated further.

The administration of the team is able to address such conflicts in private without impeding the development of the squad’s younger stars. There is potential for significant change to occur at the number seven position.

If the Tigers want to play at least three pacers, then Mehedi Hasan Miraz at number seven is certainly going to be crucial. If being aggressive is what it takes to be successful, then the selection of offensive players on the squad should reflect that aggression. As a result, the fact that there is one less batter available could not be a drawback but rather a necessary.

The batting order and the role that the top of the order plays in terms of responsibility will be under the microscope throughout the forthcoming series. By performing so admirably in the number six position, Mushfiqur Rahim has already provided Bangladesh with more choices. The challenge at hand will be to find solutions to problems within the time constraints.

Will Riyad be participating in the subsequent series in any capacity? What does the youth group stand to gain from his participation? Only time will tell, but it will be a major factor to consider as we move forward with the process of assembling the team.

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