David Hemp, who has been at the helm of Bangladesh's batting coaching for the past eight months, is now facing criticism due to the team's recent batting failures against India and South Africa. Despite some successes, persistent batting issues suggest deeper problems that remain unresolved, even with frequent changes in the coaching staff. The 53-year-old former Bermuda opener has shared his insights on the challenges faced by Bangladesh's batters in Test cricket and the influence of Shakib Al Hasan.
Hemp expressed his disappointment over the team's performance against South Africa, noting that while the players have the necessary skills, they are struggling to translate their preparation into performance. This frustration is part of the game, where winning and losing are two sides of the same coin. Honest self-reflection and continuous effort towards improvement are essential for the players.
Chattogram offered a rare good batting surface in the second Test, unlike other venues in Bangladesh. Despite this, the team faltered, which points to decision-making issues. Batting is fundamentally about making the right choices—whether to attack, defend, or leave the ball. In this game, the decision-making was not up to the mark, and this is an area where the team needs to challenge itself.
In both innings of the Chattogram Test, Bangladesh's batting crumbled under pressure. The plan after South Africa enforced the follow-on was not driven by fear. Players were proactive, using their feet and playing shots. However, the key lies in making the right decisions at the right time against the right bowlers. The players practice with freedom and generally make good decisions, but transferring this into match situations remains a challenge. Success in this aspect builds confidence and experience, which in turn leads to smarter play.
When asked about Shakib al Hasan’s issue Hemp shared his thoughts. According to him, the uncertainty surrounding Shakib’s participation does add a layer of complexity to the team's dynamics. The selectors will ultimately decide his availability. Shakib's experience is invaluable, and his presence benefits the team. However, his limited availability for matches outside the country could pose challenges. The selectors and Shakib will need to find the best solution. From a player's perspective, having Shakib around is beneficial due to his experience and the insights he shares with the team. He remains a significant asset to the squad.
