Agencies
Bangladesh ended their 10-match winless streak across format after earning a 33-run win over Sri Lanka in the opening ODI in Mirpur on Sunday. The top brass now has got some positives out of the contest but there are still some issues to be sorted, especially with the No. 7 position.
From 2016 to 2021, Bangladesh have tried 14 players at seven but the team management has failed to find a finisher for their side. During this period, Mosaddek Hossain has been tried the most number of times (22 matches, average - 26.71) while Sabbir Rahman too had his chances (12 matches, average 17.90). Nasir Hossain took up the role in 12 games as well (average - 15.87) while the experienced Mahmudullah has batted at that position 11 times and has the highest average of 48.25.
Mehedy Hasan (six matches, average - 1.75), Soumya Sarkar (four matches, average - 15.33) and Mohammad Saifuddin (three matches, average - 40) were also tried in that position but team management has failed to give anyone a long run at that slot. There are also seven more players who have batted at the number seven position once in their career - Abul Hasan (7.00), Mahedi Hasan (7.00), Mashrafe Mortaza (6.00), Nurul Hasan Sohan (44.00), Tanbir Hayder (2.00), Ariful Haque (0.00) and Sunzamul Islam (0.00) .
The introduction of Afif Hossain at number seven against Sri Lanka is the latest move made by the team management who are desperate to find a permanent solution. Afif made a bright start at seven, making unbeaten 27 runs from 22 balls, but onus is now on the team management to give him a long run.
Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo has insisted the clarity about batting positions for his players is crucial ahead of the next World Cup. Bangladesh drafted Sarkar at No. 7 against West Indies and then Mahedi Hasan against New Zealand. "Six months ahead of the World Cup, we have to know what our batting line-up is going to be. Whilst winning is very important in these series where points are up for grabs, it also allows you to finalise what batting line-up you will have in two years' time," Domingo pointed out.
"We have to be smart in playing what we think is our best team all the time, but we also need to find opportunities for fringe players to see how they go. The pandemic allows you to have a big squad which allows looking at guys in training and warm-up games. We have an intention of carrying all-rounders with us, so that we can make sure that we have the right guys in the World Cup."
Domingo has also suggested that Sarkar can bat both at the top of the order and also as a finisher but the approach has only hurt the left-hander. "Soumya is good enough in both roles (at the top and at seven). He can be an option lower down but he can play in the top-order," he said.
"I have a lot of faith in Liton, who I think is a quality player. He needs a bit of luck. I don't think there's a question mark on his ability. All players go through five or six games when they don't do well. I think the challenge is to make sure you keep backing those players. I think a big score is just around the corner."
