Hathurusingha: Team will miss Shakib's batting and leadership against Australia
Shakib al Hasan, Chandika Hathurusingha
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Bangladesh head coach Chandikha Hathurusingha admitted the team will miss Shakib al Hasan’s leadership in the upcoming match against Australia.
Bangladesh will be without their regular captain Shakib who has been ruled out of the last match of the World Cup as the all-rounder suffered a fracture in his left index finger against Sri Lanka.
“We have had him for a long, long time. I mean when you have someone like Shakib’s caliber, number one all-rounder, it's two players in one, so it's hard to do much with the combination. So, we will definitely want to fill his bowling vacuum with another spinner or a fast bowler. It's batting we're going to miss and his leadership. So, it’s hard,” said Hathurusingha in the press conference.
Hathurusingha praised the remarkable journey and contribution of cricketers Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib who have played in five World Cups for Bangladesh.
He also emphasized that if they choose to retire, it would symbolize a transition in the team's leadership. However, he notes their continued fitness and performance, leaving the decision in the hands of the players themselves.
“Oh, they had a wonderful journey. For a cricketer to play four World Cups is very, very unique, and then for Bangladesh cricket, I don't know whether they are playing their last one. So, to be honest, they're still very fit. They're still performing. It's up to them individually to decide that one. So, I can't comment on this being their last one,” said Hathurusingha.
“But then to play four World Cups - one guy is five, I think, is it? Mushfiqur and Shakib played five. So, it's wonderful, I mean, anyone playing or starting to play cricket, dreams of playing five World Cups. And they have been the best of Bangladesh cricket in the short journey of Bangladesh cricket. If they decide to quit, it's a change of baton kind of thing.”
Head coach also believes it will be very challenging to beat the five-time champion Australia as the win will ensure direct entry to the Champions Trophy.
“We have to play this game, tomorrow's game. So that's what's going through my mind. We have to actually play good cricket to beat Australia. That's all we are focusing on. Of course, that defeat has some kind of effect, depending on our game. At the moment I can't think of that scenario,”
“Playing against Australia always is a challenge. They're the most successful team in World Cup history. They're a very good team, very professionally prepared, really professional team, playing good cricket. They started slowly but they have already qualified.” he added.
