2024-03-30 10:24:01
A loss of 328 runs is definitely not a loss. Embarrassing defeats, accompanied by intense pain from being crushed by an opponent. Sri Lanka hoisted the flag of victory at the ground where Bangladesh defeated New Zealand in Sylhet. Bangladesh from Sylhet to Chittagong with Bara Har as a travel companion. The second Test is going to start on Saturday.
It is normal to squirm when wounded by an opponent’s powerful attack. Combat intensity is very low. But the Bangladesh camp in Chittagong is in a happy mood. Bangladesh is waiting for the light of victory in Chittagong after blowing the atmosphere of failure. The dressing room does not have the impression of old failures. The message to move forward is given. And what needs to be done to turn around strongly is being done. Nick Pothas is in charge of Bangladesh in this match.
When asked about the atmosphere in the dressing room, Pothus showed hope, ‘The boys are hungry to do well in this Test. They always want to do better. They are great as a team. They believe in continuous process of improvement. You might understand if you see their smile. It is our management’s responsibility to sustain this attitude within the team until we reach par. Then we have to make sure to move on. There is no room for emotion in our team. The atmosphere in the dressing room is quite good.’
Pothas is quite satisfied with his preparation, ‘We are doing the same thing as we are not preparing for another test match. We are not wondering what happened behind. Looking ahead. We learn from mistakes and think about what’s next. I will apply them in the next test match.
Bangladesh is open minded about the wicket of the match. Who does not know that the wicket of Chittagong is a batting paradise. So are the needs of the hosts. The grass of the wicket has been mowed even in the late afternoon. The Sri Lankan cricket team was practicing at that time. Earlier, the wicket was cleared very deep. It is understood that the host team is trying to score runs on the wicket. Also, all arrangements are underway to take the match to the fifth day. Pothos has left the issue of wickets and conditions to time.
Focusing on the work ahead, he said, ‘I have spoken to the people here and the ground staff. They said the wicket is good. Actually I can’t tell how the wicket will behave until the two teams take to the field. I don’t think about what will be the result at the end of the day. We want to win small battles. I want to gradually improve without making the mistakes of the last match. Whatever the condition, we want to adapt and move forward.
In the end, the message given by Pothus stood by Bangladesh wants to equalize the series by winning this match. That’s why Shanto, Zakir, Shakib will play with all their abilities, ‘We want to win the next match. In fact, everyone wants to win on the field. We have to play whatever the wicket is. You have to adapt and move forward. That’s the easy job.’
Chittagong’s performance in the last five Tests can be eye-opening for Bangladesh. Where Bangladesh lost all four. A draw. The only draw came against Sri Lanka. Apart from this, they lost against India, Pakistan, West Indies and Afghanistan. Along with confidence, there is good reason to fear.