Domingo not concerned about future as Tigers' head coach

Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo said that he was not concerned about his future as head coach after the Tigers returned home today following their two-Test tour of Sri Lanka.

The Tigers were able to draw the first Test but suffered a 209-run defeat in the second Test as Sri Lanka spinners dictated terms with the ball. There have been noises in the media that his role as head coach is uncertain as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are not looking at recent results under him positively.

But upon return, Domingo said he was connecting with the team better than before and only looking continue going forward.

"Not really," he said when asked if he was concerned about his future. "I'm enjoying working with the players. I'm enjoying the set-up. There's of course work to be done. I think it's important to try and look at the state of domestic cricket and the facilities the cricketers enjoy when we're not here as well. Of course, there have been tough results. But I have started to connect with the team well and I am confident going forward," he added.

The Tigers have lost seven out of nine Tests under Domingo's reign, winning one and drawing one. They lost a home Test against Afghanistan which has been the lowest point for the Tigers in Test format. Bangladesh fared better under him in ODIs, winning six out of nine matches. The Tigers clinched series against Zimbabwe and West Indies at home but slumped to a 3-0 series whitewash against the Kiwis in New Zealand. In T20Is, Bangladesh have won only six out of 14 matches under him.

Domingo recognized that recent results, especially the whitewash by the West Indies at home in the two-match series, was a step backwards but wanted to focus on the Sri Lanka ODIs which are to be played at the end of May.

"There will always be question marks when you lose series at home. We have to deal with them and make sure we prepare well before the series against Sri Lanka. It's important to learn from the past and focus on the future."

He was hopeful of getting some good results at home and keen on getting Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman back in the lineup. Both Shakib and Mustafizur would be looking to return to the country after the IPL was suspended indefinitely due to rising Covid-19 cases within the IPL bubble.

"It's good to be playing in the home conditions again. Like I said, it's good to get experienced players like Shakib and Mustafiz back. We will be playing against a very dangerous side. So, we have to play really well to beat them," he said.

"I've seen Mustafiz bowl good cutters. Those type of wickets are really helping his type of bowling. Good to see him having a good campaign so far.

"Like I said, there will always be criticism when you lose. Obviously, it's tough to find the balance when there is no Shakib. You either play one batter less or one bowler less," he concluded.