Also read: Helmot happy with BCB HP performance
Since then, the wicketkeeper-batsman only played four Test matches, three ODIs and as many T20Is for the Tigers as his national team performance was not impressive, compared to his domestic form. Liton was called up for a Test this year against Sri Lanka in Galle and scored five and 35. Unfortunately, he was ruled out injured before the second Test in Colombo. After that, Liton played for Abahani Limited in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League 2016-17 season and became the highest run-scorer for his side with 752 runs in 14 innings.
Also read: BCB HP Unit return home after successful Australia tour
The highly-rated right-hander was handed the captaincy for the BCB HP's tour of Australia and he performed well there. BCB HP head coach Simon Helmot praised the performance of his charges and was particularly pleased with Liton’s display, terming him a special player. Liton however, believes he can do better. “I had the chance to perform better as a batsman. Condition was not in our favour all the time. We had to work really hard to win. I think our team batting should have been better. If there were more centuries from our batsman then it would have been better,” Liton told the media in Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Liton admitted the young players learned a lot from this tour.
“Players learned a lot of things. The condition and wicket were different from ours. The mentality for playing in different condition was important. Personally it was a great experience for me as I was the captain. I tried to enjoy my captaincy,” said Liton.“I think I will benefit from the experience. At the moment, I am not concerned about the national team. It was a HP tour for me and I think we have been successful,” he added. Meanwhile, all-rounder Saifuddin was also a part of the HP tour. He informed that the experience will help him to grow as a player and prepare him for the challenges of the national team. “It was a good experience for me. Now I want to improve my batting. For team combination, often I have to bat on No 8 or 9. But whatever the position is, I want to prepare myself. As an all-rounder I have to be ready for every position. I am working on that at the HP,” said Saifuddin. “Everyone has a dream of playing in the national team, so do I. But I am not thinking too much about that at the moment. At the moment, my focus is on the HP programme. I am trying to improve myself in every department – batting, bowling and fielding - for the future,” he added.
