Buck stops with batsmen

WILL TWO BATS DO THE TRICK? Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim walks off the nets at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday. Photo: Anisur Rahman

Sitting in front of the dressing room, Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim was deep in thought while talking to the selectors Akram Khan and Minhajul Abedin yesterday.
His grim face told the story that transpired at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur during the Twenty20 and first ODI last week, both of which the Tigers lost.
Given the cricket played so far, the common believe is that the visitors will seal the series today when they meet in the second day-night one-dayer, unless the home team come up with something special.
But the Tigers, most of whom turned up for optional training yesterday, were hardly in a mood to think about the outcome, rather they are searching for a way to get rid of the panic created by the versatile bowling attack in front of them. Without any doubt, Bangladesh desperately need one good batting performance to get the self-confidence back which has been completely shattered after first two games in the series.
The job is however easier said than done. As the captain said after the first match, the batsmen should play with a bit more guts and determination if they want to push their opponents. The team think-tank tried their best to lessen the pressure but former national skipper turned selector Minhajul Abedin made it clear that ultimately the players should take the responsibility. "You can discuss many things but ultimately everything depends on player. In this level one should have an individual plan if they want to cope with the pressure, especially against a good bowling attack," said Minhajul.
The Bangladesh top-order may not be as bad as they have batted in the last two games, but they have to apply themselves with proper technique and temperament on this kind of wicket where it's important for a batsman to adjust initially.
The nature of the pitch was the centre of discussion as many were bamboozled to see that Pakistani bowlers getting assistance which only invited more trouble for the local batsmen. It is very difficult to say whether the wicket will be better or not for today's match because one can't simply blame the curator for the unfavorable pitch. The excessive cricket at this venue made it difficult for them to maintain the wickets properly for quite some time.
So the fingers should also be pointed to those who are in charge of managing it.
That's the reason chief selector Akram was not in favour of talking too much about the pitch. He was looking forward to see the batsmen do their duty in the middle and at least make sure they bat all fifty overs.
Interestingly, the Bangladesh think-tank is considering bringing back the out-of-form Imrul Kayes as Tamim Iqbal's partner in the match and in that case, all-rounder Forhad Reza will make way.
It shows how helpless the think-tank is with the batting.