Bangladesh’s batting coach, David Hemp, expressed his concern on Saturday, September 21, over the team’s inability to convert promising starts into substantial scores. During a press conference following the second innings against India, Hemp highlighted the struggles faced by their openers, Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam, who began well but failed to build on their half-century partnership. The team was chasing a daunting target of 515 runs, and their dismissals after scoring 33 and 35 respectively left a gaping hole in their batting lineup.
“Converting starts into big scores is crucial,” Hemp emphasized, noting that a solid foundation is often laid within the first 20-30 deliveries. “You gain a reasonable understanding of the game by then. It’s essential to push on from there, especially after reaching the 30-40 run mark. That’s when you’re truly ‘in’ and capable of crafting a significant innings,” he stated.
Hemp’s concern is not new; it’s a recurring issue that Bangladesh has faced in recent matches. He recalled similar patterns from their previous series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. According to him, the problem isn’t just about getting out after reaching 30 or 40 runs but also about failing to maximize the opportunity to play a longer innings. “When you manage to play around 40-60 balls, ideally, you should aim to bat for at least 120 balls. That’s when you can expect a reasonable reward,” he added.
This consistent issue of not capitalizing on good starts extends to their top-order composition as well. Bangladesh’s lineup often features four left-handed batsmen among the top order, a fact that, according to Hemp, offers some ease to opposition bowlers. “From a bowling perspective, having similar lines can be beneficial. But remember, each batter has different strengths and weaknesses. We mix and match in one-day cricket, so it’s not just a matter of being left-handed or right-handed; it’s about understanding individual capabilities,” he said.
Hemp also pointed out a missed chance in the current match, where the wicket had become more conducive for batting as the game progressed. “The wicket became easier for batting, and we missed the opportunity to bat longer.
. Nevertheless, we should not lose hope. We should keep our composure and stay in a positive frame of mind,” he encouraged.
Referring to the formidable challenge of facing India at home, where they have won 17 consecutive Test series, Hemp praised the Indian team but also reminded Bangladeshi players to seek opportunities within the game. “India is a tough competitor, particularly on home soil. They are strong and well-prepared. But every challenge brings opportunities. We have to focus on our strengths and find ways to impact the game,” he said.
One strategy Hemp advocates is to disrupt the rhythm of opposition bowlers. “It’s essential to nullify bowlers at crucial moments, but also to be aware of field placements to prevent them from establishing a consistent line and length,” he explained. He further emphasized the necessity of scoring opportunities whenever possible, stating, “Indian bowlers are also human; they can’t execute perfectly all the time. So, when there’s a chance, we must capitalize on it. This is essential if we want to challenge top teams like India, England, and Australia.”
Despite a challenging day where Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin managed to extract significant turn and bounce from the pitch, Hemp believes the wicket still holds potential for scoring runs. “It’s still a good surface to bat on. Yes, Ashwin had a good day, but we should stay optimistic about tomorrow. The chase is challenging, with 360 runs still needed, but let’s see what unfolds,” he concluded, encouraging his team to approach the next day with confidence and a positive mindset.
As Bangladesh contemplates the road ahead, the need for their batsmen to transform promising starts into match-winning performances remains a critical focus. Hemp’s insights resonate with a broader objective to enhance consistency and resilience in a batting lineup that has shown glimpses of potential but is yet to achieve the desired level of performance in the Test arena.