We don’t have good enough bowlers to replace Mortaza: Bangla coach
PTI, Jul 3, 2019, 12:25 PM IST
Image for Representation
Birmingham: Bangladesh head coach Steve Rhodes acknowledged the paucity of cricketing talent in the country, saying there is no one on the horizon to replace long-serving captain Mashrafe Mortaza.
The 35-year-old Bangladesh captain, who recently won a general election to become a member of Parliament, has expressed his desire to continue playing for Bangladesh despite the poor show in the World Cup. Mortaza was appointed captain in 2009.
Asked if Mortaza’s presence is preventing the team from unleashing a young and more impactful fast bowler, the coach looked helpless after the 28-run loss to India here on Tuesday.
“We’ve also got to have a bowler good enough, capable enough to actually replace Mash. Everybody forgets that. We haven’t got too many of the taller, quicker bowlers, which, is what we’re trying to get into Test matches,” Rhodes accepted the lack of talent being a big factor.
“As soon as we find (good fast bowlers) them and as soon as they’re starting to do well, I’m sure that we would want to get them in the team,” he added.
There’s no hiding that the country’s favourite captain was well below his best and Rhodes thinks that a proud person like Mortaza will be the first one to acknowledge that.
“Well, I’m sure Mash would be a little disappointed with that first over, but I actually thought it was a very brave decision to do to pull one’s self off,” Rhodes said referring to the skipper bowling only the first over in a spell and taking himself off.
The coach would ideally like Mortaza to take a stock of things in the coming days.
“Mash is a very proud person, and I’m sure he will look at his performances so far and wish they were a little bit better,” he added.
“But having said that — and it’s important that you do quote this second part as well — is that he’s tried his hardest all the way through. The one thing about Mash is that he tries every single ball. He doesn’t know any other way,” the coach was sympathetic of the skipper’s situation.
“He’s had seven knee operations, and he’s had a fantastic, wonderful career of over 200 ODIs, and he has not stopped trying throughout all of those ODIs, I know that,” he added.
Rhodes, however, was firmly against the Bangladeshi media which has gone after Tamim Iqbal for a disastrous World Cup without a single impactful performance.
“We shouldn’t really start castigating or have a go at Tamim. He’s a wonderful player. He played some great shots today, and if you know anything about batting, it takes one ball to get you out, and it might take one half mistake and you’re a goner.
“Well, I would say wholehearted has been his performances. I thought today was going to be the day, but sadly, it wasn’t to be. And that’s cricket. Sometimes the harder you try, the worse it gets,” Rhodes lamented.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Feels good when you get most decisions right: KL Rahul
IPL 2024: Rahul, De Kock slam fifties; LSG beat CSK by 8-wickets
Injuries don’t define you: Mohammed Shami shares rehab update
Rishabh Pant set for emotional homecoming in stern Sunrisers Hyderabad test for Delhi Capitals
Wrestlers Deepak Punia, Sujeet Kalakal to miss Asian qualifiers after arriving late in Bishkek
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Continuation of MCC restrictions after polling in Tamil Nadu violation of citizens’ rights: Chidambaram
Apparent Israeli attack on Iran’s territory intercepted, no damage to any installation: Envoy
Feels good when you get most decisions right: KL Rahul
Rains bring respite from scorching heat in DK and Udupi
Man arrested for booking cab in Lawrence Bishnoi’s name, sending it to Salman’s residence