Shanto hopes to resolve strike rotation issue

Dhaka, 27 Feb - Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto laid emphasize on resolving strike rotation issue as early as possible in a bid to regain their giant tag in ODI cricket once again.

The strike rotation issue is believed to script Bangladesh’s downfall in the Champions Trophy, from which they made an early exit following embarrassing defeats in the first two matches. 

“We have to practice properly in the nets to resolve the strike rotation issue,” Shanto said after their match against Pakistan, a game that was washed out without a ball being bowled due to relentless rain at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium today.

“We have to think about strike rotation. It is very important and I hope the boys will understand what we need to do,” the skipper added.

Bangladesh played 159 dot balls, more than 25 overs out of 50 against India and finally were bowled out for 228 runs in 49.5 overs. They eventually lost the game by six wickets.

In the second match against New Zealand, things panned out more miserable way as they played 181 dot balls, which were more than 30 overs. They put on 236-9 in that match before losing the game by five wickets.

On both occasions, pitch looked like 300 plus wicket but Bangladesh couldn’t come even close.

The batters were criticized heavily for playing so many dot balls well. It is believed if they can reduce the dot balls margin to 50 percent at least, they could have come close to 350 total in both matches. 

“It is imperative to rotate the scoreboard well. It is key,” Shanto admitted. “Hopefully we’ll solve this issue very soon.”

Shanto who made a bold statement that they came to play Champions Trophy to become the Champions, also said that they would try to learn from the mistakes that had done in the Champions Trophy.

Bangladesh indeed bowed out of the tournament with just one point, thanks to a washed-out game against Pakistan due to rain.

“The way we held the game for long periods of the match was very inspiring for us in the two matches,” Shanto said, indicating their collapse in the first match early in the innings against India and middle order collapse in the second game against New Zealand. 

“We hope we can learn from our mistakes. We will make a proper plan and execute the plan,” he remarked.

While batters proved to be Bangladesh’s weakest link, the bowlers proved their credential once again, helping the side to put up a fight against India and New Zealand with limited resources on the board. 

“We have always struggled with our fast bowling unit, but in the last few years a lot of fast bowlers are coming through,” Shanto said. 

“Some of the fast bowlers back home are doing very well. The likes of Taskin, Nahid Rana coming in. Fizz (Mustafizur Rahman) is there.”

“We have a very good bowling attack. I hope they will do the job and do the best for the team.”bss