Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

'Can't play too defensively on these pitches' - Mominul Haque

Written by 
Published in Cricket
Wednesday, 08 December 2021 06:15

Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque said that playing too defensively against Pakistan in the second Test cost his side wickets, holding that the batters needed to look for runs to have a better chance of surviving on a turning pitch at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.

The home side were about 20 minutes away from drawing the Test after three partnerships in the lower-middle order dragged them further in the game. They were following on after getting bowled out for 87 in the first innings, where many of Bangladesh's batters took risks that didn't pay off.

Mominul's statement was in direct contrast to what Najmul Hossain Shanto said on Tuesday, about how Bangladesh's batters were trying to be aggressive on the fourth afternoon.

"I really don't think we played aggressively in either innings," Mominul said after Bangladesh's defeat in Dhaka. "I am really surprised with the question. If you keep defending the ball, when will you score the runs? Those who got out, they were taking a calculated risk. You feel this way because they got out. You have to take runs when it is available. I think things would have been easy had our top four made runs. When you don't score in the top order, life becomes difficult for the rest of the line-up."

Mominul said that Mehidy Hasan Miraz's lbw dismissal in the last hour on the fifth day illustrated his theory that a less defensive approach, or body language, would have made him play the sweep shot with more purpose.

"Shakib bhai and (Mehidy Hasan) Miraz nearly got us over the pressure situation. I think Miraz played too defensively against the offspinner, which cost him his wicket. If he was positive, he would have connected the ball properly," Mominul said.

He also defended the first-innings dismissals of Mushfiqur Rahim, who slog-swept to short midwicket, and Liton Das' caught and bowled trying to go down the wicket.

"It was tough to bat out there but Mushfiq bhai, Shakib bhai and Liton tried hard. I think Mushfiq bhai took the right option (in the first innings) to play square of the wicket. Liton could have hit a four off that ball (in the first innings). You can't play too defensively on these pitches. Runs are important regardless of the format. It is difficult to play if you only focus on defending the ball. I think Mushfiq bhai was unlucky. If his bat was slightly grounded, he would have been saved."

Mominul also said that the overwhelming focus on results in Bangladesh meant that implementing a process for long-term changes was difficult.

"I have been unable (to reform the Test side)," Mominul said. "At the end of the day, everyone wants results. I don't think anyone here believes in the process. Without results, it is very difficult.

"Captaincy is challenging, but I don't think you can call it tough. I am in this seat because I took on the challenge. Not many take up this challenge. I think it is a privilege. When the team goes through such a phase, it is important how you react (as a captain). I am taking this positively."

Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo's Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84

Read 149 times

Soccer

USWNT's Albert apologizes after Rapinoe criticism

USWNT's Albert apologizes after Rapinoe criticism

EmailPrintUnited States women's national team midfielder Korbin Albert apologized on Thursday for pr...

Leicester sack women's boss for breach of conduct

Leicester sack women's boss for breach of conduct

EmailPrintLeicester City manager Willie Kirk has been dismissed from his position after an internal...

Davies' agent blasts Bayern's contract 'ultimatum'

Davies' agent blasts Bayern's contract 'ultimatum'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe agent of Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies has criticised the...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

Basketball

Hornets shut down LaMelo (ankle) for season

Hornets shut down LaMelo (ankle) for season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCharlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball will not play again this season...

Lawyer: Ex-G Leaguer won't face death penalty

Lawyer: Ex-G Leaguer won't face death penalty

EmailPrintFormer G League player Chance Comanche, who was charged with the murder of a woman whose b...

Baseball

Opening Day takeaways: What we learned from a wild start to the 2024 MLB season

Opening Day takeaways: What we learned from a wild start to the 2024 MLB season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWhat an MLB Opening Day!All 30 teams were scheduled to be in action...

Heroic debut: Soto's throw saves Yankees in 9th

Heroic debut: Soto's throw saves Yankees in 9th

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsHOUSTON -- That Juan Soto's first signature Yankee moment happened...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated