‘We can crack top 4’
The Daily Star (TDS): Bangladesh are at a point of revival, having finished lowly in World Cup before losing a series in Sri Lanka. Do you see it as a challenge to start with?
Russell Domingo (RD): World Cups are so closely-contested but Bangladesh certainly played better than their position in the log shows. The Sri Lanka tour was always going to be tough coming off the World Cup so I wouldn't read too much into that.
TDS: How much have you seen of Bangladesh's growth since 2015, the year which saw Bangladesh begin their rise. You had toured the country with the South African team back then.
RD: Bangladesh are no longer an easy game for the top teams. I've experienced it as coach of South Africa. Formidable at home, still trying to learn to compete away from home. And that is a massive point for us going forward.
TDS: What interested you in taking the Bangladesh job?
RD: Bangladesh definitely seem to be the team that has developed and grown the most over the past 5 years. The possibilities are endless with this team and, combined with the passion shown by their supporters, Bangladesh can only continue to go from strength to strength.
TDS: What are your ambitions with Bangladesh?
RD: I really feel that we can make our way into the top four [in the rankings] of international cricket… learning to win away from home whilst developing some new players that can take the team forward in the next 5 years.
TDS: Having taken the role just now, what is your aim in the immediate home series against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe?
RD: The immediate series will be important to find out more about players, understand the culture and find ways to tweak the team to improve performances level small bits at a time. Focus on one tour at a time, with an eye on developing the style of play for future assignments.
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