Tag: Chandika Hathurusingha

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha on Monday, asserted that his side is “well-prepared” for whatever challenge posed by home side Pakistan in the upcoming two-match Test series, starting on August 21.

“We are prepared for whatever challenge Pakistan throws at us,” Hathurusingha said.

Hathurusingha further shared that Bangladesh, mirroring Pakistan’s strategy, also developed a strong contingent of pacers as the pitch for the opening Test is anticipated to favour the quick bowlers.

“The Pindi pitch appears favourable for both fast bowling and batting. Considering Pakistan’s selection, we have also developed a strong contingent of fast bowlers.

He, however, emphasized that the inclusion of all-rounders Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz was based on merit to provide spin options.

“We expected Pakistan’s wickets to be different from Bangladesh and selected spinners based on merit, not just conditions,” said Hathurusingha.

“We are pleased with our preparations and look forward to the challenge,” Chandika Hathurusingha concluded.

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The two-match series between Pakistan and Bangladesh, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), will run from August 21 to September 4 with both matches to be played at the same venue.

The second match of the series was originally scheduled to take place at National Stadium, Karachi.

However, owing to the renovation work currently underway at the venue, the PCB, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided to shift the match to Rawalpindi.

Pakistan’s Playing XI for the first Bangladesh Test: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali.

Bangladesh Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed.

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DHAKA: Returning Bangladesh cricket coach Chandika Hathurusingha said Wednesday he did not intend to shake up the team, despite his tempestuous relationship with top players during his first stint at the helm.

The former Sri Lanka batsman, 54, was widely hailed as the architect of some of the national side’s finest moments, including ODI series wins against Pakistan, India and South Africa.

However, he was often reported to be at loggerheads with Bangladesh’s senior cricketers, including current captains Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, while coaching from 2014-17.

Hathurusingha said he was “more experienced now” than during his earlier tenure and said the team’s veterans had been performing well.

“I don’t think their roles will change much,” said Hathurusingha, who arrived back in the country on Sunday.

“Many players have been playing well for Bangladesh. Young players have also come up and played well. So being with that team is always great. It motivates me,” he told reporters in Dhaka.

Hathurusingha coached the Sri Lanka national team and New South Wales after quitting Bangladesh in November 2017 following a disappointing South Africa series.

He replaces Russell Domingo, who stepped down in December with a year left on his contract after a disappointing Test series defeat at home to India.

Hathurusingha’s appointment this month contracts him for two years and begins with a tour by England, who arrive Friday for three ODIs and three T20 matches next month.

Bangladesh has performed best in 50-over matches in recent years but Hathurusingha said the team needed to lift its game elsewhere.

“Test cricket is very competitive. T20 is more popular now. So we have to find our own game plan,” he said.

“As a nation, we know how to play ODI cricket. We need to do well in other formats as well,” he said.

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