HP team gets Mash’s advice before second one-dayer
Simon Helmut was not very happy after his HP team succumbed to a 186-run at the hands of their Sri Lankan counterparts in the first one-dayer of the three-match series at BKSP on August 18. He informed that national team players such as ODI skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza spoke to the players from the HP side in order to get them mentally ready for the second one-dayer tomorrow.
"I am just disappointed with the aspect of the application. Very disappointed that we didn't finish in the last 10 overs. That was very important. They bowled very well. At the same time, batsmen didn't get them enough time to lay a foundation to chase down a total like 300 and more at BKSP. It is not easy but very very chaseable at that venue," Helmut said today while talking to reporters.
The important factor for Helmut was that the players should learn the trades of the game and be able to perform in pressure situations. To that end, national team players also bided time with the squad.
"We have a good discussion on the last day. Some of the national stars were in the discussion- Mashrafe spoke to the group for more than half an hour. He was very gracious to give his time. They are still learning, they are still developing game sense and skills in a pressure situation against quality opposition. We wanna see improvement in the next game in the three department- with the ball,bat and high intensity in the field," Helmut informed.
While Helmut said that the HP squad can be the stepping stone to get into the national team, it was more important to gain experience rather than just focus on winning at this level.
"I want to see more consistency. You know, you can knock the door of the national team with the runs, wickets and catches. We have seen some glimpses. When a player scores heavily then they will have their chance. We must remember winning is very important but more important is to give the boys match experiences," he added.
Sri Lanka's former paceman Chaminda Vaas is currently in charge of the Lankans' HP team. He reiterated that fitness was key at this level.
"Well, I can see a lot of skill and talent. They need to develop their fitness. Not only Bangladesh, but Sri Lankan boys should also come up. They are young, 21 or 22-year-old. They need to develop their fitness level."
He reaffirmed that it was important to enjoy the matches. "The boys are enjoying here and they do the homework properly. And I am pretty sure the boys will do well when it comes to the second one-day. It is up to them to go to the middle and perform and enjoy the game and do the right thing for Sri Lanka cricket," he said.
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