‘We have to play to win and not be happy with draws’
There were questions over Bangladesh's approach and attitude towards Test cricket over the years with the fear of losing always forcing the team management to go for a rather defensive mindset.
Since coming from a series of defeats in recent past, including the 2-0 whitewash to a rather inexperienced West Indies side at home earlier this year, the drawn first Test against Sri Lanka in Pallekele did come as a huge relief to the Bangladesh camp.
But according to head coach Russell Domingo, the time has come for the Bangladesh team for a mental shift. According to the South African, a win should now be the priority in order to help the side become a serious Test side.
"It is disappointing when a drawn Test is seen as a massive success. I am not here for drawn Tests. We don't want to lose Tests but we should have a mental shift. We have to play to win, and not merely be happy with the draws. I have had six or seven Tests with the team now; I think I understand our team and culture. I know the areas we need to improve on, particularly on the mental side regarding [approaching] Tests. There's a long way to go. There's a fear of losing Tests, and that's something that we have to come away from. We have to play to win," Domingo said at a virtual pre-match press conference yesterday.
"At the moment I feel we are playing not to lose. It is a mental shift that we need to make. Until we change that mindset, we will always be okay with mediocrity. It is not something I want to be part of," the coach added.
With the second and final Test of the series against Sri Lanka set to begin today, according to Domingo, the visitors will be aiming for a series win, which will be a great achievement.
Much like in the first Test, the team management is keen to continue with five bowlers and six batters in the line-up for the second Test.
"When you have Shakib Al Hasan in the team, it allows you to play seven batters. When you don't have that all-rounder, you have to be brave and have five bowlers who can get us 20 wickets. If it was solely up to me, it would be the way to go, but there's a panel of selectors that need to be consulted with," he said.
The pitch at Pallekele offered very little assistance to the seamers in the first Test, but Domingo is still considering the same pace trio of Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain and Abu Jayed for the second Test. However, a lot will depend on how the seamers recover after bowling 70 overs in the first Test in hot and humid conditions.
The 46-year-old is also willing to give opener Saif Hassan another opportunity despite the right-hander scoring 0 and 1 in the first match.
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