Stuart Law has called for changes in Bangladesh cricket, both on and off the field.
The new coach of the Tigers who took over a week before the Zimbabwe tour commenced saw losses in the first five matches in charge before the two wins towards the end here at the Queens Sports Club that added respectability to the ODI series scoreline, bringing it to 3-2.
But Law hoped to see technical as well as cultural adjustments for a better future.
“It’s not whether they’re good tourists but how they perceive their game plans out of the sub-continent. We picked a lot of teams and a lot of field placements that were perfect for the sub-continent, but we’re not there,” said Law after the match yesterday.
“We need to start thinking a little bit more outside the box when we’re away from home. That’s just natural at the moment but it’s something we can address next time we’re away from home,” he added.
Law was also surprised to see the Tigers getting stuck in their hotel rooms rather than making an effort to learn about the country they’re visiting.
The players have only been seen mostly frequenting Indian restaurants and going at great lengths to seek home comforts, a bane among many for a long time.
The Australian has however asked for a bit more open-mindedness.
“They are a good bunch of blokes, probably like to get them out of their hotel rooms a bit more.
“They’ve come to Zimbabwe and they’ve got the opportunity to see wonderful sights; wildlife parks, Vic Falls. Unfortunately all they’ve seen is cricket ground and hotel rooms. Maybe that’ll change in the future,” he said.
Law however admitted that the change must come from “all walks of life” within Bangladesh cricket, rather than just the players.
“I understand Bangladesh are very passionate about their cricket. They do things differently and I think sometimes it might not be to the benefit to the cricket team. What’s happened over the years obviously hasn’t worked because Bangladesh hasn’t lifted off the bottom. Maybe it’s time for a few things to change.
“I know I’m going to upset a lot of people when we mention these things but if we really think hard about it, a lot of things got to change. Not just from the players but from all walks of life regarding Bangladesh cricket.
“It’s not a negative and harsh thing. It’s to try something different to make the boys better and start climbing that ladder,” explained Law.
He cited two examples from different spheres for the rest to follow. He would like the players to play with the freedom that Shakib Al Hasan and Shovogoto Hom Chowdhury, the new recruit, has shown during the last two games.
“Shuvogoto [Hom Chowdhury] played freely, that’s how you want all your players to play. Shakib Al Hasan continues to impress, he’s a class performer with the bat in hand. He’s a good leader.
“That’s how you want every player to play, with the freedom and mindset those two guys have shown,” he said.
-With The Daily Star input