Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal emphasized on proper “man-management” as Bangladesh gear up for the tri-nation ODI series in Ireland, followed by the 2019 World Cup.
The Tigers are set to leave next Wednesday for almost a two-and-a-half-month tour of United Kingdom where they are scheduled to play at least 13 ODIs.
It is first time that the Tigers would get to play these many games at a stretch, and Tamim believes proper rest shall be key in order to have a fit unit in the World Cup.
The ODI tri-series involving Bangladesh, West Indies and host Ireland is being treated as preparation for the three sides ahead of the flagship event.
#Tamim:'I believe in my team' https://t.co/qExjj3ORtk
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) April 16, 2019
The series, which is to run from May 5-15 in Dublin, will also double up as a conditional camp for the teams and at the same time, a platform to experiment with different combinations before going into the mega event.
Ahead of the 2017 Champions Trophy in England, the Tigers had played a similar series in Ireland.
Later in the Champions Trophy, they qualified for the semi-final in an ICC event for the first time in their history.
The series prior to the mega tournament was credited as good preparation for the Tigers, and the same is being expected this time too.
.@TamimOfficial28 back on #field ahead of #WC https://t.co/tb9osP7ArL
— DhakaTribune (@DhakaTribune) April 15, 2019
In Ireland, Bangladesh will play at least four ODIs, and a minimum of nine in the World Cup.
Tamim said poor results in Ireland won’t affect the Tigers in the World Cup, but emphasized on the need of properly dealing with the players in the long tour.
“The only [negative] I see here is playing 13-14 matches in around one and a half months. We do not get to play much in those conditions. The key will be to rest the people who need it, especially in Ireland. We cannot afford to rest them in the World Cup. So the Ireland part is going to be important for us. We will get to play five matches [including the final] there, but if a few are rested in one or two games, it will definitely help us to get a fresh unit in the World Cup,” said Tamim to the media at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur Wednesday.
Tamim, preparing to contest in his fourth World Cup, informed that he has not set any goals for the tournament.
Snaps of Bangladesh Team today's practice session at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. pic.twitter.com/doNwMoNiCe
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) April 24, 2019
It is rather important for him not to put himself under pressure and take each game as it comes.
The southpaw said he has failed on most occasions when he had set a particular goal.
“Whenever I am thinking of something a lot, I somehow end up not achieving it. So honestly, I am not thinking much at this moment. I know I have not achieved a lot in World Cups. I will put myself under unnecessary pressure if I set a goal, say, of scoring a century, or these many runs. I don’t want that to happen,” said Tamim.
“I would rather like to worry about other things, which are, say, the roles I need to play. Being able to play the role well will create opportunity in itself. It is important for me to give the team a good start and play the role well,” Bangladesh’s longest-serving opener added.
