After waiting for over nine months, the game of cricket is all set to make a return to Bangladesh as the hosts are going to take on the touring West Indies in the first encounter of three-match ODI series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city today (Wednesday), reports UNB.
With this game, the Bangabandhu Bangladesh vs West Cricket Series will take the field. The next match of ODI series will take place on January 22 at the same venue while the final and third ODI will be played in Chattogram on January 25.
Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh's new ODI captain, during the pre-series media interaction, said he is looking forward to establishing a Bangladeshi brand of cricket, and the West Indies series is his first assignment.
"What I always prioritize is to establish its own brand of cricket for Bangladesh. I always say that every cricket-playing country has its own style to play the game of cricket. So, I don't think we should follow others. We may not be as strong as West Indies or we may not be well-built like Australia, but we still have some advantages which are missing by the other teams," Tamim told the media.
Aiming to establish Bangladesh's brand of cricket, Tamim is going to make some adjustments in ODI batting line-up as he is backing the decision to send Soumya Sarkar at the lower order and moving Shakib Al Hasan to No. 4 from his preferred position of No. 3.
"We've informed Soumya about his new role before the BCB President's Cup. We told him that he would need to bat at a certain position and advised to prepare accordingly. So it's not a surprise to anyone except some of you (media). Along with the batsman, we all know it long before," he explained Soumya's new role.
While explaining Shakib's new challenge, Bangladesh captain said: "The message was very distinct to Shakib. I've also talked to him personally, and he said he has no problem to accept it. He understood it. And it (batting at No. 4) will give him breathing space because he is going to make a comeback after a long time. We all know how good he was at No. 4. His record is enough to back this claim. We are well-informed about it. He is happy to bat at No. 4."
Previously, Tamim led the Tigers in three ODIs in Sri Lanka, but he failed to shine as a captain as Bangladesh endured 3-0 to the Lankan Lions. During the last few years, Tamim led different teams in the domestic circuit.
"I captained in two domestic events right before playing the same role at the international circuit, which came as a big advantage for me. It was unfortunate that we've missed some international fixtures due to the Covid-19 breakout throughout the world. The two domestic events were very tough for me, but I've learnt a lot. I think people understand what they do by the time going, and I'll also go through the same. And at the same time, you've to understand what the situation you're facing off. I think you've to think differently sometimes," he added.
After the three-match ODI series, both the teams will lock horns in a two-match Test series starting from February 03 in Chattogram. The second Test and the final match of the series will take place in Dhaka from February 11.
Meanwhile, Jason Mohammad last played for West Indies more than two years ago, but with coronavirus fears causing several players to stay at home, he will lead the Caribbean side again in the key series against Bangladesh.
Regular captain Jason Holder and other stars such as Kieron Pollard and Darren Bravo all refused to travel, so Mohammad got another call-up. The 34-year-old also led West Indies Twenty20 side on a tour of Pakistan in 2018 when the stars refused to go, that time over security fears.
Squads: Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal (capt), Shakib Al Hasan, Najmul Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Mahmudullah Riyad, Afif Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hassan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mahedi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam.
West Indies: Jason Mohammed (capt), Sunil Ambris, Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua Da Silva, Jahmar Hamilton, Chemar Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Andre McCarthy, Kjorn Ottley, Rovman Powell, Raymon Reifer, Keon Harding.
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