Williams calls upon seniors to deliver in 2nd ODI

Zimbabwe look to draw level

Zimbabwe batting all-rounder Sean Williams has urged his teammates, especially senior players, to assume responsibility to  win the next match to stay alive in the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh.

“Obviously, I think being 1-0 down is tough for the guys. I think yesterday’s game was very disappointing for us in all aspects. Having a plan tomorrow will be the key,” said Williams, who joined the Zimbabwe tent on Sunday to play the next couple of games in Sylhet and T20 matches in Dhaka. He had opted out of the first match to stay beside his pregnant wife.

“Hopefully, I can bring some energy and level of calmness. Craig (Ervine) is getting there too and will be ready to play. I also think that it's crucial our batsmen make good decisions over a long period of time,” he told reporters after their pre-match day practice session at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet yesterday.

“Guys like Brendan Taylor and Sikandar Raza have played a massive role in our team. It's extremely important for us that they keep firing all their cylinders,” he added.

The experienced all-rounder, who played 131 ODIs for Zimbabwe, tipped Bangladesh bowling as stronger than in the past. He said the visiting batsmen had their work cut out to fare well against the home side. “I think Bangladesh have a much stronger bowling attack this time. We need to stick to the basics to do well against them,” he added.

Asked about having any mental block behind their successive losses in one-day matches after Tests, the left-hander said they needed to apply themselves and put more runs on the board. “I don’t think it’s a mental block. I think it is all about applying ourselves and getting runs on the board,” he replied.

“I think our batsmen are getting out after scoring fifties or sixties. Bangladesh batsmen have got hundreds against us. I think getting hundreds is extremely important, especially from our senior players,” he said.

“There are a few technical things. Quite a few of our batsmen get caught on the backfoot. Coming out of the crease and looking to play forward is important. Application is the next step forward,” he added.

Williams calls upon seniors to deliver in 2nd ODI

Zimbabwe look to draw level

Zimbabwe batting all-rounder Sean Williams has urged his teammates, especially senior players, to assume responsibility to win the next match to stay alive in the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh. Obviously, I think being 1-0 down is tough for the guys. I think yesterdays game was very disappointing for us in all aspects. Having a plan tomorrow will be the key, said Williams, who joined the Zimbabwe tent on Sunday to play the next couple of games in Sylhet and T20 matches in Dhaka. He had opted out of the first match to stay beside his pregnant wife. Hopefully, I can bring some energy and level of calmness. Craig (Ervine) is getting there too and will be ready to play. I also think that its crucial our batsmen make good decisions over a long period of time, he told reporters after their pre-match day practice session at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet yesterday. Guys like Brendan Taylor and Sikandar Raza have played a massive role in our team. Its extremely important for us that they keep firing all their cylinders, he added. The experienced all-rounder, who played 131 ODIs for Zimbabwe, tipped Bangladesh bowling as stronger than in the past. He said the visiting batsmen had their work cut out to fare well against the home side. I think Bangladesh have a much stronger bowling attack this time. We need to stick to the basics to do well against them, he added. Asked about having any mental block behind their successive losses in one-day matches after Tests, the left-hander said they needed to apply themselves and put more runs on the board. I dont think its a mental block. I think it is all about applying ourselves and getting runs on the board, he replied. I think our batsmen are getting out after scoring fifties or sixties. Bangladesh batsmen have got hundreds against us. I think getting hundreds is extremely important, especially from our senior players, he said. There are a few technical things. Quite a few of our batsmen get caught on the backfoot. Coming out of the crease and looking to play forward is important. Application is the next step forward, he added.