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Tigers' batsmen must rely on skills at World Cup, says McKenzie

April 30, 2019 00:00:00


Bangladesh's batsmen have to trust their own skills at the World Cup rather than be swayed by prevailing global standards, according to their batting coach Neil McKenzie.

Most of Bangladesh's success over the past four years has come on slow and low pitches at home, and the odd ODI series win in West Indies where the pitches had a bit more pace, reports ESPNCricinfo.

Bangladesh are still reliant on scores in the 280-to-300 range, which they have backed their bowlers to defend.

They posted 300-plus totals only six times in the last four years. They have successfully chased down 250-plus targets only four times in 14 attempts in the same period.

While they have enjoyed impressive results as an ODI side in this period, their batsmen haven't matched those of sides like England or India who have regularly racked up 350-plus totals.

One of the reasons is the lack of a big hitter at No. 06 or 07, although Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim have contributed heavily in the slog overs.

McKenzie said Bangladesh mustn't focus on what they don't have, but think about how they can maximise their existing skill sets.

"Bangladesh is not going to compete for hitting sixes, with, say, West Indies," McKenzie said. "We are going to be better than them in skilled hitting. Beating cover, running twos, chipping over cover for four. Hitting really well straight.

A guy like Mushi can manipulate the pace. We have got so many other attributes. We don't need to be going at fifth gear trying to hit the ball out of the ground chasing eight an over. We are good enough to hit gaps and run well.


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