SL ODIs another chance to ‘bounce back’

Bangladesh returned home yesterday after yet another disappointing performance, this time in Sri Lanka, where the Tigers lost the two-match Test series after a crushing 209-run defeat in the second Test.

The focus, however, is already shifting to the 50-over format, with Sri Lanka all set to arrive in Bangladesh to take part in a three-match ODI series later this month. Selectors have already announced a 23-member preliminary squad and those who were not part of the Sri Lanka tour have already started training at the home of cricket in Mirpur.

The two-match Test series in Sri Lanka also saw the Tigers complete their World Test Championship stint, during which time they have bagged just 20 points -- for the drawn first Test in Pallekele.

Head coach Russell Domingo, who returned with the team, expressed disappointment about the World Test Championship performance. However, the South African was keen to grab the points in the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, which will be part of the ICC ODI Super League.

"Players will have three days of practice before the Eid vacation. It will be good to have Shakib [Al Hasan] and Mustafizur [Rahman] back when they do arrive. The next series will be important as qualification points are up for grabs. We need to bounce back after a tough series in New Zealand," said Domingo.

Meanwhile, there were rumours that the board would closely observe the performances of the team in Sri Lanka and that it would have an impact on Domingo's future as Tigers' head coach. After the series defeat in the island nation, it was learned that the Bangladesh Cricket Board is not satisfied with Bangladesh's performance under Domingo's coaching.

There are even whispers that the board has started looking for alternatives to Domingo, so the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka can be an acid test for the 47-year-old. However, the board is also willing to give Domingo more time before making a final decision.

"Not really [concerned about future as Bangladesh head coach]. I'm enjoying working with the players. I'm enjoying the set-up. There's of course work to be done. I think it's important to try and look at the state of domestic cricket and the facilities the cricketers enjoy when we're not here as well. Of course, there have been tough results. But I have started to connect with the team well and I am confident going forward," he added.