West Indies Embrace the Unknown in Dhaka with Assess Decide and Deliver Strategy
As the West Indies prepare for their One Day International (ODI) series in Dhaka, the focus turns to the unique pitch conditions at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Coaches from both the West Indies and Bangladesh expressed their curiosity about the pitch’s behavior.
Assessing the Pitch Conditions
West Indies coach Darren Sammy remarked that he had “never seen anything like it before,” while Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons described it as a “normal Mirpur wicket.” A recent photograph of the pitch displayed its characteristic black surface.
Sammy emphasized the need for his team to assess the conditions before determining their batting strategy. He stated, “Wherever we go, the mantra remains the same: you still have to assess the conditions that you are faced with.” He introduced the ADD strategy: Assess, Decide, Deliver.
Expected Pitch Behavior
Simmons noted that the pitch is likely to provide some turn, which may favor spin bowlers. He mentioned, “It looks like a normal Mirpur wicket, so it usually has some sort of turn in it, which is good.”
Young Batters in Focus
The West Indies have included several young batters in their squad. Only captain Shai Hope and Roston Chase possess prior experience in these conditions. Hope has taken it upon himself to share his knowledge with the team.
- Shai Hope: Experienced captain sharing insights.
- Roston Chase: One of the few with prior experience in Bangladesh.
Hope emphasized the importance of sharing experiences when playing in foreign conditions, saying, “It’s very important as an experienced player to share all the knowledge that you possibly can.”
Bangladesh’s Batting Concerns
Bangladesh is facing issues with their batting order. Only a couple of players seem secure in their positions, while others like Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy have struggled recently. Tanzid Hasan, a promising opener, lost his spot in the ODI lineup during last week’s series against Afghanistan.
Coach Simmons highlighted the challenges faced by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who has had to adapt his playing style to conserve wickets amid the batting struggles. He stated, “Because of the start we’ve had, that’s the way he’s had to play.”
With both teams entering the series under different circumstances, the upcoming matches promise to be an intriguing contest as they navigate the unique pitch conditions and their respective line-ups.
