Demoralised Tigers need psychological boost

Accusing fingers have been pointed to a 15-minute disruption of play due to power failure for the defeat of the Tigers in the third and final one-day international of the just concluded cricket series between Bangladesh and Pakistan. In the game of glorious uncertainty, the unthinkable happens and that is why cricket is more like life itself with no certainty in sight. Anything can happen at anytime. Nevertheless, what happened in Chittagong on Tuesday evening is inconsolable. After two straight losses, not to include the only T20 match, Bangladesh was playing for pride in a stadium that has been their lucky turf ever since the Zhur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium was made a cricketing venue. They were well on course of putting the 21-match Pakistan jinx behind when, after the early reversal, they scored 61 for just one wicket at the time the light went off. As many as 30 overs remained with nine wickets in hand, the home team surely showed no sign of nervousness. The two batsmen at the crease looked so comfortable that the spectators and viewers watching the match live on TV sensed victory. Everything however fell apart after the mini-load-shedding, as if to undo the staging of a grand performance. Even both captains agree that the power failure made all the difference! Did it cause lack of concentration for the batsmen? Granted that the two at the crease had problem beginning things anew. But what about the rest? They had no break. Something is wrong with the application of our batsmen. The captain admits it. He feels demoralised because of the lack of application. The only batsman who showed no nerve amidst the ruins is a debutant in the shape of Nasir Hossain. He has done well throughout the series. Does it not point to the need for the service of a psychologist for the team? Sure enough, many teams seek helps from professional people who can boost attitudes of players. We understand Bangladesh once had appointed such a professional to help the Tigers adjust to the mind game that cricket is. No more is heard about this now. This aspect needs to be addressed.