|| CF Correspondent ||

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza, like the concerned authorities, stressed that juniors have to take responsibility. The need for them to step up has been mentioned for the umpteenth time and that perhaps will play a crucial part for the Tigers if they want to do well in the Asia Cup.

The recent form of juniors has been a big concern for the team in the recent past, as they have won most of their matches on the back of seniors’ shoulders.

“Our young players, they are not really juniors anymore. They’ve been playing for three, four, or five years. Calling them juniors, after they’ve played international cricket for three years, isn’t fair,” Mashrafe told the reporters on Thursday (September 6).

Bangladesh have not played any international matches in the UAE since earning their Test status, although a number of their players have played in Pakistan Super League in the UAE, over the last few years. So, the Bangladesh captain can count on those cricketers in order to help the rest of the team cope with the conditions in that country.

“Riyad, Shakib, Mushfiq have played there [in the UAE]. Tamim played for a long time and he did perform as well. It is important to have their input.

“They have a big responsibility in the team. Tamim's recent form, his sense of responsibility – these are very important for him to contribute; same goes for Riyad,” he said.

Head coach Steve Rhodes is confident that juniors will come off well and make necessary contribution. The likes of Liton Das and Mohammad Mithun seem to have impressed the coach with their approach and the coach certainly believes in their abilities.

He said: “I am not concerned. If I was in Liton Das’ shoes at the moment, I’d be very happy. He played a wonderful knock in the last T20I against West Indies, which was like a final. I am sure he feels confident.

“The other guys are hitting it well in practice. Mithun has been a late inclusion in the side. He has forced his way into the side in the back of performances in Ireland with the A team, as well as impressing people in the camp.