WI vs BAN | Shakib Al Hasan ready to back underperforming Mominul Haque

Bangladesh Test skipper Shakib Al Hasan is open to giving a break to Mominul Haque as the batter continues to struggle to get runs in Test cricket. 

The Shakib-led Bangladesh Test team is currently playing a two-match Test series against the West Indies. The visitors lost their opening game against the West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Sunday (June 19) by seven wickets as the batters failed to accumulate runs in both the innings of the Test match. Bangladesh were bowled out for just 103 in the first innings and batting remained the main area of concern for the Bangla Tigers in the second innings as well.

Senior batter and former captain Mominul Haque has continued his poor form in red ball cricket this year. The left-handed batter was dismissed for a duck and four in the two innings and in the post-match media briefing, the question was asked on whether Mominul needed a mental break in the second Test. Shakib replied:

"Its hard for me to say but the thing is I always talk with him and will have it again and if he [Mominul Haque] thinks he needs a break, that can happen," Shakib Al Hasan told the media after the game.

Shakib further said that the team will not take any decision in a hurry and he will do what is in the best interests of the team.

"But we have just finished a game, so it won't be a good thing to come to a decision now. Since we have a couple of days before we start training in St Lucia, we may be able to think about what should be done for the betterment of our team."

In the last five Tests Bangladesh have played, on five different occasions, they've lost their top five batters inside fifty or fewer runs on the board. According to the new Test skipper, it is not just about the mental aspect but the technical flaws need to be rectified quickly in order to change the fortunes of his side.

"There are a lot of technical problems and I think we don't have many technically sound players in our team. Everyone has got some technical flaws and they have to find a way on how to score runs and stay in the crease, which is very important." 

The top-order Bangladesh batter Mominul is having a poor run in 2022 with just 166 runs across seven Test matches at an average of 13.83. He has now failed to reach double figures in the last nine Test innings. Because of the dip in form, Mominul decided to step down from captaincy earlier this year. Under him, Bangladesh won three Tests, lost 12, and drew two.

Shakib on his return as the Test skipper showcased a good performance with the bat registering half-centuries in both the innings. While he scored 51 in the first innings, he backed it up with a fighting 63 in the second innings.

Mominul's place is under the scanner and it's yet to be seen what changes Bangladesh will make in the second Test against the West Indies that will be played at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium Gros Islet in St Lucia on June 24.