Bangladesh looking for specialized players in different formats: Domingo

Talks regarding Bangladesh having specialized players for different formats have circled around the cricketing arena for some time and Bangladesh National team head coach Russell Domingo has said that the team will be looking forward to specializing some positions in the side. 

Domingo had a press meet on Monday ahead of Bangladesh's first Test against Pakistan at Rawalpindi and there he opened up about many aspects of the side. 

"I have said that some guys will not double up for both formats. When you don't have a great deal of options, you need to make sure that you got guys who are capable of playing both formats. We will be looking at certain positions where we will try to have guys playing one format," Domingo said. 

He also added that he had a clear idea about his players and he knows exactly who needs what. 

"While talking to the selection committee yesterday, I had given them some names that I think, particularly in T20s, we need to have for the next few series. I have a much better understanding of all my players – where they play, what they are better at, what they need to improve on. I think I have a good understanding of who I like, who I need to work on, who needs attention, who needs to go away and who can be part of our journey," the South African added. 

Domingo also disclosed his thoughts about the Bangladesh batting lineup as he said that he was happy with the squad and he would probably provide Saif Hassan with a debut while skipper Mominul Haque is set to return to No 4 with Najmul Hossain Shanto is likely to take his place at No 3. 

"At the moment Mominul is earmarked to bat at no 4. I will probably get Shanto to bat at No 3, and Saif Hassan to open the batting with Tamim Iqbal. Mithun and Riyad at No 5 and 6, and Liton probably at No 7," Domingo stated. 

Doming also went on to say that preparations are not ideal for the Pakistan tour as he would like to arrive seven-eight days prior to the match and play a warm-up match there and it was not good preparation for the side. 

The former Protea head coach heaved praise for Tamim Iqbal as he clinched the record of the highest individual innings in Bangladesh's domestic arena with an unbeaten 334. Domingo added that getting runs in the middle was more important than practising in the nets and it was important for national team players to get runs in the domestic circuit. 

"There's no doubt that runs in the middle are worth more than just practising in the nets. So the players who got runs will gain confidence. Tamim's three-hundred is a fantastic effort and it is something that should be treasured, as it doesn't happen often. Mominul and Riyad got hundreds and Mithun got a 60. Guys have got five wickets. They have shown why they are in the Test team. It is always important for Test players to put in big performances in domestic cricket," the 45-year old added. 

Domingo also accepted the fact that Mustafizur Rahman was under some pressure with the white ball after his wayward performances in the T20 series. Doming added that Mustafiz needed to work with the newly appointed bowling coach Ottis Gibson to learn to bring the ball back into the right-handed batsmen.

"Mustafiz knows he is under a bit of pressure, particularly in white-ball cricket. He is still our No 1 bowler, with the most experience and skills. His form can fluctuate because it is a tough job. I have full confidence that he can get back in white-ball cricket. He has some work to do in Tests. I know Charl Langeveldt was busy working with him. Ottis will continue to do the work, to get him to shape the ball into the right-hander. He has some technical work to do before he is seriously considered in Tests again," Domingo said. 

Domingo also admitted that Bangladesh's chances of winning the World Test Championship were not good. But he insisted that the team wanted to play good cricket away from home and win in away conditions. 

He further added, "We haven't played well in Test matches in a long period of time. We want to set ourselves a goal of trying to win a Test series outside Bangladesh. So there's a lot of motivation for us."

Bangladesh were completely outfoxed by the Indian seamers in the India tour and Domingo also believed that pitches with pace and bounce were waiting for them in Rawalpindi. But Domingo added that if they went to Pakistan thinking that they can not win, then it is better to stay home rather than go and play.

Many Bangladeshi batsmen fared poorly against the Indian seamers and there were talks about cutting them off the side, but Domingo believed that every player deserved to have a run in the side before a call is made on his career.