Orthodox batting-order could script Tigers' turnaround
An attacking brand of cricket has been the name of the game in the ongoing ICC World Cup. India, with the aggressive batting-approach have led the way so far but for Bangladesh, however, the scenario is quite the opposite.
Shakib Al Hasan and his troops have already lost three out of their four matches in the flagship event, and batting failure remained the biggest reason behind their downfall.
Apart from the batters lacking form and consistency, constant shuffling of the batting order has inflicted damage on the entire team.
While most teams have arrived at the mega event with a clarity over their game plan, Bangladesh, on the other hand, are still experimenting with their batting positions. As a result, the thought process of the cricketers has seemingly become complicated.
With backs against the wall after facing their third consecutive defeat against India on Thursday, the time has come for head coach Chandika Hathurusingha to sort out the glaring issues and utilise the available resources appropriately.
The idea to promote Mehedi Hasan Miraz was to hold the innings after the early fall of wickets, according to the Tigers think tank. Considering the matchups, the ploy worked against Afghanistan in their tournament opener.
However, there were still questions over Miraz's potential as a top-order batter against quality pace-bowling attack. But the team management continued to use the right-hander as a shield, opting to send him at number four when it required a conventional approach.
Even after the opening pair of Liton Das and Tanzid Hasan provided a flying start of 93 runs against India – Bangladesh's highest-ever opening stand in the World Cups -- the decision to send Miraz at number four eventually proved costly.
In that game, Miraz's promotion ahead of an in-form Mushfiqur Rahim raised eyebrows aplenty since the Tigers had the platform to post a big total. In the end, the team management's defensive approach backfired as Bangladesh could only post a sub-par 256 for nine in 50 overs.
Another cause for concern for Bangladesh has been the form of Towhid Hridoy. Despite having shown promise at number five at the beginning of his international career, the right-hander has been forced to bat in various positions so far. As a result, the 22-year-old is finding it difficult to adapt to pressure situations.
The likes of Mushfiqur and another experienced batter Mahmudullah Riyad, who is also in good touch -- as evidenced by his 36-ball 46 against India coming in at number seven -- could inspire the team management to rethink their batting strategy.
If skipper Shakib, who missed out the game against India, is able to recover from his thigh injury before their next game against South Africa on October 24, the team management will have the luxury to play seven batters and six specialist bowlers in the line-up, considering the batting-friendly surface of Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium in mind.
In that case, Najmul Hossain Shanto would bat in his usual number three position. If Shakib is fit to play, he can play at No.4, followed by Mushfiqur, Mahmudullah and Miraz so that the Tigers can make the best use of their batting arsenal.
With the pressure to win every match from now onwards, it seems a more conventional approach in batting can pave the way for Bangladesh's turnaround in the tournament.