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[Saba Sports News] On Monday, Bangladesh’s spin bowling coach, Rangana Herath, emphasized that they won’t restrain their players on the much-discussed outfield at the HPCA stadium in Dharamsala as they gear up for their second game against England on October 10. England’s captain, Jos Buttler, expressed concerns about the outfield’s condition, deeming it ‘poor’ and suggesting that fielding restrictions in a World Cup match are less than ideal.
Nevertheless, Herath chose not to dwell too much on the outfield’s condition, which the ICC rated as average after the Bangladesh-Afghanistan game on October 7. He expressed contentment with the situation, stating, “I think the ICC has put in a lot of effort. They believe that the standard has been maintained to the extent that it warrants authorization for a one-day international match. So, I’m satisfied with it,” Herath informed reporters before their game in Dharamsala on Monday.
Herath went on to say that he wouldn’t fret about it, as he had encountered similar conditions after rain, resulting in less-than-ideal outfield conditions. He stressed that if the outfield meets international standards, there’s no reason to complain. He also pledged to encourage his players to give their utmost effort in the field.
When asked if they would impose restrictions, Herath firmly stated, “No, we won’t impose any restrictions because if you ask someone to hold back, they won’t give their 100%. We are urging our players to give their best, even in the outfield.”
Regarding the team’s strategy, Herath mentioned their willingness to alter their winning combination and introduce a sixth bowling option if the pitch demands it. While they used Mahmudullah as the sixth bowler against Afghanistan with five specialist bowlers, there’s ongoing discussion among the team management about whether to stick with this setup or opt for a more conventional bowling option given England’s strong batting lineup.
In light of Bangladesh’s previous success, particularly with Shakib Al Hasan and Mehedy Hasan taking six wickets in the last game against Afghanistan, the team management is considering the inclusion of another slow bowler in the playing XI. This decision could lead to Nasum Ahmed or Shaikh Mahedi earning a spot, potentially at the expense of Mahmudullah or a fast bowler.
Herath acknowledged the potential need for a sixth bowling option, especially given the unique surface in Dharamsala. He emphasized that they would assess the conditions and engage in thorough discussions among the selectors, coach, and captain before making a decision. He also commended the performance of their slow bowlers in the previous game, praising their ability to read the pitch, analyze the appropriate lines and lengths, and employ aggressive field placements. In conclusion, Herath expressed full satisfaction with their bowling performance against Afghanistan.