Lack of practice matches behind batting debacle in Zim, says Ashraful

Bangladesh batting coach Mohammad Ashraful believes the absence of practice matches before the Zimbabwe tour left the batters struggling to adapt to the conditions, contributing to the team's disappointing performances.

Bangladesh lost the one-off Test by an innings before their batting woes continued in the ODI series, where they suffered a series defeat.

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“Due to franchise tournaments, practice matches are not held before international fixtures. Previously it was easier to adjust with a three-day match or a one-day match but that option is not there anymore. Now you go and play right away.

“Even though both the Test and ODI teams reached [Zimbabwe] early, they didn't have the chance to play practice matches. If we had played them then I believe the result would have been in our favour,” Ashraful said as the team returned home.

Despite the disappointing results, Ashraful believes the challenging tour will help Bangladesh prepare for their upcoming Test series in Australia.

“We didn’t do well in the Test but in the third ODI, we adjusted. I feel that in 2027 World Cup [in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia], we will be able to prepare that way [with more time and practice games]. This tour was also important for the Australia series.

"It will be tough in Australia, the positive is we will travel there early -- 10-12 days early, we will have the opportunity to play a three-day practice match, hopefully if all our players are fit, we will be able to do well there," he said.