Greater foundation through osmosis
"We are becoming seniors too, right?" Liton posed the question as an answer at the press conference after his 136-run knock in the second ODI. Such words reflected his confidence, momentum and growing responsibility but also showcased the changing nature of the team's dynamics.
Mushfiqur Rahim was grinding at the nets in the practice session yesterday at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. There was the sweet sound of his bat giving away his form and current confidence levels after a big innings but nothing is permanent.
It is often easy to miss the work and effort stars like Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan or Mushfiqur Rahim put in to push themselves that extra yard. In the past, it bred a certain dependency when juniors were found wanting in matches. There was a certain motif at play as things progress in the Afghan series.
Players such as Mehedi Hasan Miraz or Liton had been watching the seniors' backs, but over the years, their own consistency had been an issue. But that their difficult formative years in the national team are bearing fruit now is a very recent emerging pattern, and a welcome one.
There had been performances here and there from less established stars in recent years but the astonishing Test win at Mount Maunganui in New Zealand scratched deeper into the surface. More shoulders appeared to take responsibility. After Mehedi and Afif Hossain's incredible partnership won the first ODI against Afghanistan from an incredible situation, that pattern became more apparent.
"Cricket is a game of eleven players and everyone has to contribute. Since we had an opportunity to do something like this, we played normal cricket. As players, we had an opportunity. It worked, which is good for our careers and our future," Mehedi said ahead of the third ODI today.
His emphasis on the opportunity to win games for the team was pronounced. They were ready for more responsibility.
"Obviously, we learn from watching them. Our senior players have a lot of experience and have achieved big things. They have won us a lot of matches. We used to think that if we got the opportunity, we would try to win matches too. So me and Afif had that confidence on the field. We set a game plan," he said, hinting that their experience was building after six years on the international scene.
"Competitiveness is there at every moment. In the national team, you have to perform to play. From the point of view of challenges, maybe we are young in terms of experience. But in the national team, you can't make excuses about whether you are a senior or junior. At the end of the day, if I don't perform, someone will say that maybe it may be better if someone else takes my place. It's important to adjust to international cricket. The quicker one adjusts, the more chances of success and to lengthen one's career."
While the concept of seniors and juniors is null in any international side, it is not the same in Bangladesh. With the current batch slowly showing faith in younger faces, it may just be time for that concept to ebb away.
Tamim was seen working on his foot movement, still gearing to improve. He along with Shakib will be looking for runs in the third ODI, as will Mahmudullah Riyad. They too have to show up, an osmosis improving team culture and the membrane being competitiveness. Seniors know their contribution is important but the balancing act is being provided by Liton, Mustafizur Rahman or Miraz's growing experience and stature, a sign of good things to come.