Russell Domingo backs Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim  


image-lbd8bx2z Mahmudullah | Source: Twitter

Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo backed Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah to overcome their lean patch. 

Both batters struggled to get going in the ODI series opener against India at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka. While Mushfiqur scored 18 off 45, Mahmudullah could manage only 14 off 35 balls. 


Here's what Domingo was quoted as saying 

"Firstly, I am going to defend my players. In the last two games in Zimbabwe, Mahmudullah got 80 and 39. I am very reluctant to say that [it is time to find their replacements]. Both players have times in their career when they are searching for runs."

Mahmudullah was pretty decent against Zimbabwe in the three-match ODI series that Bangladesh lost. He got scores of 20*, 80*, and 39 in a three-match ODI series. Domingo cited its example and said that he's not worried about it as every player goes through these phases in their careers.

"It was one ODI ago that [Mahmudullah] got 80. I have no concerns with him at the moment. All players go through these phases in the older phase of their careers. I still have a lot of faith in his ability and batting." 

The head coach of Bangladesh also feels that Mahmudullah was looking more to survive than to score in the first ODI against the Men in Blue and hence he missed the half-volley on the leg side. He further urged Bangladesh players to bat with positive intent and look to score more than just survive. 

"I think his intensity dropped [in the first ODI] as he was looking more to survive than to score. That's why he missed that half volley on leg-stump. If he was looking to score, he would have probably hit that for two or four. It is just making sure that we get into the routine and rhythm of being more positive than looking to survive."

Bangladesh chased down the target of 187 runs in 46 overs and won the first ODI by one wicket and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. After opting to bat, the hosts are 14 for 1 in 4 overs as of writing. 


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