‘Proper use of available weapons is key’

During the meeting between the Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan and the three captains and coaching staff yesterday, players' mentality was in the midst of discussion. According to veteran coach Mohammad Salahuddin, the combination of both mental and technical aspects could assist the Tigers in becoming more consistent. The Daily Star's Mazhar Uddin spoke to the esteemed local coach about the challenges ahead of the upcoming Sri Lanka series during an exclusive interview, the excerpts of which are as follows:

The Daily Star (DS): Do you think the time has come for Bangladesh to regularly win Test matches at home?

Mohammad Salahuddin (MS): Considering the current situation of the Bangladesh team, I think we possess the ability to beat any side at home. We do have enough ammunition in our ranks to scalp twenty wickets in a Test match, especially considering the pace bowling department has evolved a lot. So, if we can bat well, it isn't impossible to win the series.

DS: Is it the mental aspect that needs upgrading to combat our tendency of collapsing horribly in Test matches?

MS: It's vital to adjust with the pitch and it won't happen only by the mental aspect, as you also need to be technically sound. When you believe that you can stay and bat in the wicket, then you actually can but if you feel it's hard to survive, then it creates doubt in your mind.

DS: What could be the biggest challenge against Sri Lanka?

MS: The strategy should be simple. But since I'm not part of the team, it won't be justified no matter what I say as the team will surely have their own strategy. I think the proper use of available weapons is key. At the same time, a lot also depends on the current form of batters. Ultimately, the combination and execution would decide things.

Speaking of challenges, I think it'll be important for the players to rather play according to the strategy, in order to facilitate a high chance of success. Spin suits a lot on our wicket, and therefore I think we should take the home advantage since we have a good idea about the pitch and conditions and are aware of our ability. If the batters can play a long innings, especially the top six, we will have a great chance, in my opinion.

DS: The strategy of preparing spin-friendly wickets at home was seen to backfire for the Tigers…

MS: Spin is different in Bangladesh compared to spin in South Africa as bounce plays a big factor abroad. It's not that we didn't get the turn there but we couldn't purchase bounce off the surface while the taller South African spinners extracted good bounce with turn, which was a huge factor.

In my opinion, it'll be important to see what type of bowlers can suit us here. Plus, we know which length to bowl, which is a key factor as well. You must grab the home advantage, I reckon.

I'd also like to appreciate the pace bowlers, who have improved considerably of late. When your quicks do well, it automatically puts a positive impact on the batting front since a total of even 300 runs on the board makes you stay in the game. Since the bowling department is firing and along with Shakib's inclusion, I think we'll have a huge advantage.

DS: Do you think the expectation level is relatively higher on the younger players in the team?

MS: Young or old, there will be eleven players on the ground representing the team, and so everyone needs to contribute. It's important to know the role in whatever position you bat, regardless of whether you are a newbie or have been playing for a long time.

Suppose, whoever bats at number three, even if he is young, he is the best player for that position. Therefore, it's important to bring the best out of him. Instead of categorising seniors and juniors, it is important to let the eleven players play as per their roles for the betterment of the team.