Mash says ideally Soumya should play in the top-order
Soumya Sarkar has batted in various positions since his return to the ODI side. His form in the domestic circuit had paved the way for his return and then he responded with tons in practice games and also a ton against Zimbabwe in the third ODI.
The left-hander had featured at number 7 in the Asia Cup tournament and then in the second ODI against the Windies, he batted at number 6. Skipper Mashrafe was of the opinion that Soumya should bat as an opener or as a number three and stated his reasoning as well.
"Soumya's ideal position is to open or at number three because he plays pace well and gets a lot of options when the fielders are in the circle," he said.
Why has Soumya been batting lower down the order? "There was a situation [since four openers had all scored runs recently] and we hat to bat Soumya as well. Obviously, it is important to make an adjustment, and the sooner the better," he conceded.
Will Bangladesh bat Soumya at number three tomorrow? The skipper did not confirm on that idea, perhaps wanting to keep things close to his chest before the do-or-die match. He however opined that Soumya was not played as an opener to keep the right hand-left hand combination going.
"Obviously we have to discuss about that. I would always want Soumya to open or bat at number three, unless there is a problem with the right hand-left hand combination. The right-hand-left-hand combination is the best idea in the first 10 overs for any team. And it is of course good for the team if Soumya is there," he reiterated.
Four openers have all performed in recent times but Imrul Kayes has lacked form since the Zimbabwe series. With the team's balance an important area for the Tigers, whether batting depth will be prioritized remains to be seen.
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