'Be relaxed off the field first'
From being asked to adjust to the bouncy conditions to learning the right length to bowl at, advice has been thrown in from all corners for the Tigers as the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand draws nearer. However, for former national spinner, Enamul Haque Moni, the on-field issues remain secondary.
For the Tigers to feel settled in the world's biggest cricketing extravaganza, Enamul believes that the players will first need calm their nerves by interacting with cricketers from different teams in their hotels. According to the former left-arm spinner, it tends to make a player less nervous on the field.
“In terms of skill-sets, I don't think there is a very big difference among the Bangladesh players. What will matter the most is how well they apply themselves on the field. When a player wears the World Cup jersey and goes on the field, there will be jitters. It's a different pressure and I went through that feeling in 1999.
“In order to tackle that, you need to be in your comfort zone. If you feel shy or you don't interact with players, then they are going to seem a lot more difficult on the field. Once you break that barrier you will feel a lot more comfortable,” believed Enamul.
“For instance, if a player chats with Corey Anderson or a Mitchell Johnson during breakfast or a swimming session, it will definitely help him perform better when he meets him on the field. Why does Shakib [Al Hasan] play so well? It's not as if he is extremely talented. But he has passed this crucial stage.
“Back in 1999, our team manager used to constantly ask us to remain outside and talk to players. He never wanted us to be on our own. I personally think it helps. I remember, after beating Pakistan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis came to us and just talked. They obviously could not take the defeat, but we all just laughed it out. These little things help,” recalled Enamul.
The bowler, who helped complete Bangladesh's first World Cup win at Edinburgh by taking the last wicket against Scotland, not only expects the Tigers to reach the knock-out stages, but also thinks that this team has the ability to reach the semifinals.
“We have got a young side that can excel in all the three departments. There are some really talented players here. But they need to play out of their skins. They should tell themselves that this could well be their last World Cup and give it their all,” believed Enamul.
“Honestly, it all depends on our first two matches. We always depend on a good rhythm. If we can beat Afghanistan we will be in a good mood against Australia. It will be really difficult against the hosts, but they will be under some pressure,” he added.
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