Rhodes warns Tigers not to take Zimbabwe lightly
Bangladesh head coach sees a shadow of Mash in Saifuddin
Sports Reporter
Bangladesh head coach Steve Rhodes warned his charges not to take Zimbabwe lightly, terming the Southern African opposition wounded animal following their crushing defeat against South Africa in the recent time.
Zimbabwe played though well in South Africa sporadically but couldnt just get over the line as they were whitewashed 3-0 in the ODIs and 2-0 in the T20Is with the last game being abandoned. However, Zimbabwe would be looking to get back on their feet in Bangladesh, where they played as recently as in January, in a tri-nation ODI series also involving Sri Lanka.
Zimbabwe got a beating in South Africa. No team likes that. I expect a wounded animal, Rhodes said yesterday. They will be fighting for their pride and I expect tough opposition. They may turn it on against us after the kick-back from South Africa. We are very guarded but we are also very determined to try and play our best cricket.
The absence of Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan though was a big loss, Rhodes believed that sometimes injuries can be a blessing in disguise as it will help them understand the depth of their talent pool.
We know we are two players light. Our process will be to make sure that we do our duty well. We dont have to worry about the opposition. I see it as a real positive. It is opportunities for other people, said Rhodes.
If those guys grab their chance, it would show we have depth in our squad. If there is competition for places, people will always try to perform at their best. It is a healthy thing. We want depth, he added.
Shakibs absence specially would leave Bangladesh in a state of problem, given the pitch will be conducive to the spinners. But Rhodes is optimistic that other spinners like Nazmul Islam Apu could play a vital role.
Nazmul Islam is a quality spin bowler and he has shown that in the shortest format and we know that he can do well in the ODI format. If Apu plays, we have two quality spinners. Mahmudullah Riyad is a far better bowler than people think. Fazle, if he plays, can also bowl some overs. Shakib is an unbelievably talented spinner, batsman, fielder and tactician and he cant be replaced. We have to make up in other areas in the team. There will be a bit more responsibility on Mehidy, Rhodes noted.
Rhodes however saw a shadow of Mashrafe in Saifuddin as he believed they need to keep someone ready to fill in the shoes of the captain, considering his long association with injuries. We think Saifuddin is a very good all-rounder. He has the ability to perform at the highest level. He has had a taste of international cricket. He has gone away, and came back into the team. We expect him to be more matured.
Mashrafe has had his injuries. He picked up an injury recently. We need to think about keeping someone ready as his replacement. We want to give Saifuddin some cricket so that he can be prepared. I like his approach and attitude and he looks stronger.
Ariful, Soumya and Saifuddin are all the same type of players. Ariful is definitely a player we would like to see. I was delighted that Soumya got two 70s and a five-wicket haul in the NCL game. The timing is terrific. I was in contact with him. He is the type of player who can push out some of our players, he said.
