Bangladesh Test skipper Mushfiqur Rahim slammed his bowlers for their below par performance in the Test against India that ended in a draw at Fatullah yesterday. He said that it is never easy for a team to put up contest if the bowlers are leaking runs. Letting his frustration’s out Mushfiq criticised the bowlers’ inconsistency and lack of ability in carrying out the plan.
“One bowler cannot just leak runs at more than 4.5 and 5 runs an over so easily. It becomes difficult to comeback from there. If an opponent scores more than 350 runs in a single day it becomes difficult,” said Mushfiq after the game. “A bowler needs to bowl in one particular area, and be consistent, so that we can plan a field for the batsmen. We set a field for deliveries that are bowled in front of the batsmen and in good areas but then you see the bowler bowling a short pitched delivery, the captain is made to look like a fool and people questions of what’s happening in the middle. Cricket is such a game, if our plans clicked everyone would have said positive things and when it doesn’t people criticise.”
Mushfiq admitted the difference in skill level between the two sides and said, “If you compare Harbhajan and our spinners obviously there is lot of difference. Batting wise too they have better skills. So obviously it matters when there’s nothing on the wicket. Our bowlers need to improve their skills and at least get used to bowling in good areas,” Mushfiq.
Bangladesh was also disappointing with the bat as they lost seven wickets on the day for 145 runs and were asked to bat again. Mushfiq informed that their major target was to avoid the follow-on and they wanted the batsmen to bat as long as possible. He concluded saying, “We need to use the opportunities and learn.”
