Tigers to leave for Pakistan today

Just eight days after Bangladesh's three-T20I series against Pakistan ended in a 2-0 defeat, the Tigers will return to Pakistan today to take part in the first match of a two-Test series from February 7 in Rawalpindi. Skipper Mominul Haque and coach Russell Domingo shared common insights into what the team management would want to improve in Pakistan. Both coach and captain were eager to have a settled squad in order to have player continuity for the coming days. However, there was a slight difference in opinion, with Mominul thinking that preparations have been good enough while Domingo said the preparation was not enough for the longest format. Bangladesh would also want to make an impact after the 2-0 Test series defeat against India to begin their ICC Test Championship campaign last year.

The following are some of the pertinent points from the pre-tour press conferences of Mominul and Domingo at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

RUSSELL DOMINGO

Preparation not ideal

According to Bangladesh head coach Domingo, the preparations for the first Test in Rawalpindi have not been ideal. Although cricketers took part in the first round of the Bangladesh Cricket League -- a domestic first-class competition -- just before the tour, according to Domingo it would have been ideal to reach Pakistan at least seven or eight days before the Test match. Bangladesh will reach on Wednesday and take part in the Test from Friday. He also added that it would have been good if the visitors played a couple of practice games. 

Adapting to the pitch will be challenging

With Rawalpindi known to offer a pace-friendly pitch, Domingo admitted that it would be a challenge for the Bangladeshi batsmen, but also added that the Tigers' batting consultant Neil McKenzie had worked on some technical aspects with the cricketers. Domingo said the batsmen needed to show more commitment after the dismal show in India.

Winning Tests away from home

The 45-year-old has emphasised on the importance of winning a Test series away from home to gain confidence and he is eyeing the series in Pakistan as the start towards that target.

Setting up a batting order

It was possibly the first time that a Bangladesh coach gave a clear indication about the batting order before a Test. According to Domingo, Tamim Iqbal is set to open the innings with young Saif Hasan while Nazmul Hossain Shanto will bat at number three. Skipper Mominul will bat at four, followed by Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah Riyad and Liton Das at five, six and seven respectively.

MOMINUL HAQUE

Preparation is good

Although coach Domingo was not happy with the preparation, according to skipper Mominul the preparation for the Tigers has been good. Mominul informed that all the players of the Test side had a good outing in the first round of the BCL, which will help them in the first Test against Pakistan.

Don't want frequent changes in the squad

Frequent changes have often plagued the Tigers' team combination in the past and according to Mominul it is important to have a settled side in the longest format of the game. Mominul informed that as a captain he was always in favour of giving enough opportunities to players to get the best out of them.

Improve as a captain

According to Mominul there are quite a few aspects in which he would want to improve as a captain of the Test side, having just led the team in two tough Tests in India. Mominul's mantra as a captain is to lead the side from the front through performance and also to improve few aspects both on and off the field.

Don't want to repeat mistakes

The recent performance from the Tigers, especially in the longest format of the game, has been disastrous, whether it was the defeat against Afghanistan or the thrashing in the two-match Test series against India last year. Mominul said that it would be important for the Tigers not to repeat the same mistakes, and he also hoped to win a Test match away from home.