Bangladesh fielding coach Ryan Cook spoke at length with Cricbuzz discussing several issues related to fielding. Changing mindset, developing a solid structure in age-level cricket, adequate preparation it comes to different fielding positions, and the need for role models were among the topics the South African discussed. Excerpts:
How do you evaluate Bangladesh development as a fielding unit?
We definitely have seen some improvements over time. There's been a gradual change in the mindset of the players. Players want to become better fielders and the coaches are challenging them in this area to compete with some of the best players in the world. Young players are coming through and showing some great athleticism in recent times. And there are some areas where have focused on, there's definitely some improvement.
The Bangladesh fielders' body language goes down after missing one or two catches. What your take on that?
There's is a psychological component to dealing with adversity and it's an important mental skill - not only in the fielding department but in all cricket.
There are many ways to approach that. And we have discussed that. And obviously sometimes you need teammates to pick you up at that particular time, it's never a nice time dropping catches and letting your bowlers and teammates down. And being able to hold up your confidence at that time comes from a few elements.
One, that you have done the training before and two, the players and people watching backing you to do a great piece of fielding the next time. Once that starts to become your mindset, that starts to penetrate your game you are able to have the confidence to execute next time, and certainly raise the intensity and the body language in the field.
Where do you rate Bangladesh as a fielding unit in the world context?
In world context, I would probably rate Bangladesh in mid table as fielding unit. Just through the performances that we have put out in last year or so, I think the key lies in more consistency in our performances.
We have some games where were exceptional and competed with the top teams in the world and other games where we were not up to the scraps. So the consistency is where we need to focus more attention.
Certainly, it is the players' and the coach's ambitions to be the best fielding side in the world. We understand that this is going to take time, lots of hard work and commitment from the players, but certainly the players are willing to make the commitment to take it very seriously.