ZCZC
BSP-24
CRICKET-DOMINGO-REGRET
No regret to opt for batting first: Domingo
KOLKATA, Nov 22, 2019 (BSS) – Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo ruled out any regret over opting to bat first after winning the toss, when many believes his side should bowl first to protect the vulnerable batting line up.
The Tigers opted to bat first in Indore Test also when the first day’s pitch was favourable for the bowlers. The decision backfired, resulting Bangladesh’s innings and 130-run defeat.
The Kolkata Test, which was the maiden day-night Test for both Bangladesh and India also followed the same script as Bangladesh were undone by the Indian pacers to be bowled out for 106 runs. India then ended the day on 174-3, taking a 68-run lead.
“It was not a good day for us. Regarding the toss, Bangladesh haven’t come here to serve up for India,” Domingo said in the post-match conference on Friday.
“I know everyone was hoping Bangladesh would bowl first and they get 450. We think that the best way to try to win the match was to bat first. If you come to the sub-continent in 99 per cent time, you will bat first. We have no regret to the decision we made,” he said.
The decision to send Mushfiqur to bat at No. 5 also was criticized during the Indore Test as the cricket experts believed as a senior most and the best batsman of the country he should bat at No. 4 to protect the vulnerable batting line up.
Domingo said Mushfiqur is happy to bat at No. 5 and they also wanted the young players to get exposure in this position.
“Mushy is very happy batting at number five. It just bring little bit of more experience in the middle-order and provide a chance to young player, Mithun at the top. He has a good future in Bangladesh cricket. He is only playing his sixth or seventh Test. Technically he is very good player. That’s why we keep him at that place,” he said.
Domingo also said that the absence of Nayeem Hasan came as a blow for them. Nayeem got hit on his head and was ruled out from the game. He was replaced by Taijul Islam.
According to Domingo, the pitch was suited for Nayeem since he has the ability to extract extra bounce.
“It’s a very unusual situation. We decided to play Nayeem today as he gets more bounce than Taijul and Miraj does. Unfortunately it doesn’t happen. In terms of going forward in the second innings there is not much we can do,” he added.
BSS/SMP/MRU/2236hrs