Rafiq defends Tigers
Chief selector Rafiqul Alam pointed out some reasons behind Bangladesh's dismal performance in the three-match one-day series against Australia in Darwin.
"I think bowling- and fielding-wise, the tour was good but the batting was terrible. Especially, batting in the last match was simply frustrating as we lost an opportunity while chasing 198 runs. Our batsmen actually surrendered meekly against the Australian pace attack," said Rafiqul yesterday.
This came after the questions were raised whether the Tigers have been missing motivation from the bench or did Mohammad Ashraful men's senseless approach towards the game was the cause.
But the former national cricketer, who accompanied the team to Darwin, was not ready to take any blame from the side's gradual demotion.
"I believe our players have the ability to play much better and they should have batted well (in Darwin). I don't want to give any excuses but the wicket was not perfect for one-day cricket."
"On the other hand, we struggled with some injuries. Actually it was a depleted batting line-up in absence of Aftab Ahmed, Mushfiqur Rahim, Rokibul Hasan and Shahriar Nafees. Unfortunately for last the few months, we never got the full strength team due to injury or players attending exams," he said defending his team.
Rafiqul also said that the cricketers have been trying their best to improve performance and had showed signs of improvement before the series against Australia.
"The boys were practising well and working hard to improve. We are also not short of motivation. It has been a tough tour for us," he explained.
Talks about fate of Ashraful as captain and comments of coach Jamie Siddons on the issue have added more fuel to the debate but Rafiqul said that the board will give the final verdict.
"It's not my jurisdiction because the board has the sole authority to decide about the issue. I can say that Ashraful was not bad as a captain on the field because the way he handled the bowlers and changed fielding positions were good. But the main problem is that he has struggled with his batting," said Rafiqul.
The chief selector was, however, hopeful about the upcoming home series against New Zealand, who arrive in Dhaka on September 30 to play three one-day internationals and two Tests in Dhaka and Chittagong.
"We'll get back a full strength squad and most importantly, we will play in our own condition. We are pinning hopes on improvement in our batting in the Kitply Cup at home and the Asia Cup in Pakistan. I am hopeful that the players will get back their confidence in the coming series."
Rafiqul was also excited with the news that there was no problem with the two operated knees of pace spearhead and vice-captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who had a check-up in Melbourne by Dr. David Young, who had operated upon both the knees of the 'Narail Express" five years back.
"David Young was very happy by the condition of Mashrafe and the doctor said Mashrafe is fully okay to continue his career. It's really a good news for us.
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