Proud Rhodes hails the positive attitude of the Tigers
© Cricfrenzy
||CF Correspondent||
Bangladesh head coach Steve Rhodes believes they are just one tournament away from crossing mental hurdle that is required to win a trophy.
Since 2009 Bangladesh have reached six multi-nation tournament finals but could not manage to win any one of them in the meantime.
“Winning tournaments is like a habit.” said Rhodes. “I am not too worried about the past. I think we are not very far from achieving it [winning a tournament]. Once we do that it will give us that mental space where we can think and successfully overcome the pressure [of final].”
Rhodes added that he was extremely proud with the Tigers’ effort in the just concluded six-nation continental competition – Asia Cup.
“It was a marvelous experience. Lots of good points came out of the trip. We had some low moments as well but we’ve learned a lot about the squad, and the final was a great occasion. It was just a shame we couldn’t quite cross the line, but we put in a great effort.
“We’ve wasted an opportunity definitely but we fought all the way and hopefully the Bangladesh people will see that this team’s starting to really, really fight,” said the Bangladesh head coach.
The only disappointment for Rhodes seemed to be unable to break from the jinx of the final.
“Disappointed but you got to put things in perspective. We had the chance to win, we couldn’t quite take that but we put in a pretty good effort. India (are) a fantastic team, we know that, they’re full of cricketers and there’s plenty more on the bench so to push them all the way to the last ball was a very good effort.
“Just a little bit disappointed that we couldn’t quite get over the line in the end,” said former England cricketer.
The former wicketkeeper-batsman was also elated with the temperament shown by his charges, despite the odds being stacked heavily against his side.
The Tigers had to fight against the odds from the very start of the tournament as opening batsman Tamim Iqbal was ruled out from of the Asia Cup due to injury. Coupled with the hot middle-eastern conditions and all the travelling to and from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Bangladesh faced a tough time to say the least. And the last bit of bad news came in the form of all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s exit, whose left little finger injury saw him miss the all-important grand finale and the virtual semi-final before that.
“I think it was tough. The travel was tough, the heat was tough, the guys gave everything they could. We played with a slightly depleted side, no Tamim, no Shakib in the end. And it was difficult.
“All I can say is the guys gave everything, every little ounce and bit of energy they had. There were four other teams who didn’t reach the final.
“Some good teams [were also there in the tournament], so for us to get there and play so well in the final, with all those tough conditions and the travel, was a great effort. So I’m very proud,” Rhodes concluded.
