It's a difficult climate: Mash
With questions swirling in the backrooms of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) surrounding the captaincy future of Bangladesh's most successful ODI leader Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, the man himself has come out saying that it is a difficult 'climate' to play cricket in.
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Narail's most feted export talked about the questions he routinely faces about his form and fitness.
“After the first two matches of almost every series, the calls come for my removal. It is tough to play in this way. I know that after two matches in a series, I will hear things about my departure. It is a challenge that I have taken on.
"For example, in Ireland in May, I gave away 58 runs in 6.3 overs against New Zealand. I felt I had a lack of bowling in my system so the next day I bowled more in the nets and then again bowled in front of the head coach [Chandika Hathrusingha] and bowling coach Courtney Walsh. I spoke to both of them, and then through bowling to just the wicketkeeper [in nets], I corrected my problems. I am doing as much as possible but it becomes hard to play cricket in this climate."
His retirement from T20Is after the two matches in Sri Lanka in April came in much the same climate, and Bangladesh's historic run to the ICC Champions Trophy semifinals under his ODI leadership has still left room for concerns as far as the planning for the 2019 World Cup goes. BCB president Nazmul Hassan had said recently that Mashrafe quitting T20Is was evidence of long-term planning.
Some of the concern has had to do with his diminishing pace and some fielding lapses, but according to ESPNCricinfo's report, the first of those concerns is unfounded. “Since the Afghanistan ODI series at home in September 2016, he has been the team's highest wicket-taker with 28 wickets at 28.89... Mashrafe is one of the two Bangladesh bowlers during this period to have conceded runs at less than five an over (having played a minimum of five games),” the report said.
“I don't think about [the questions]. It is hard not to, but I don't give it much time or attention. What I fear, however, is that such a thing has the potential of puzzling the dressing room.
“I see that overall I am fine so it becomes a bit painful at times. But I hardly give it time. I only look out for personal attacks or when an environment is being created, which I can pick up on. I am strong in my place, and I know my job is to perform as a player,” the report quoted Mashrafe as saying.