Domingo finds positives in enforced break
Much like the cricketers, the journalists -- who cover Bangladesh cricket -- also stepped in to the new normal as they joined in a virtual press conference arranged by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) with the Tigers' head coach Russell Domingo yesterday.
On a day when a two-day practice game among the national cricketers kicked off, it was Domingo who pressed the problem of resuming domestic cricket after Bangladesh's tour of Sri Lanka got cancelled due to disagreement over quarantine protocols between the two boards.
According to Domingo, the decision of not touring was the correct one as it would always be problematic for players to be locked in a room for 14 days without being able to prepare prior to a Test series.
"A number of our players have been in isolation for five to six days showing some symptoms of coronavirus plus some came out negative. And they said it [the amount of isolation] was extremely difficult. For me personally spending 14 days in the locked room will be very challenging.
"There is some discussion among the players but ultimately, it is the decision that the board made no doubt they made the proper decision. And I believe the players appreciate that. Obviously, they are disappointed for not playing the series but they also understand the mental issues that pose serious challenges. Even if one or two guys struggled with it that would have been an issue," said the South African.
There were talks whether the BCB should resume domestic cricket since the Sri Lanka tour got cancelled. Domingo opined that an ideal method for the Tigers to make contact with international cricket is through playing domestic cricket.
"Obviously very disappointed for passing up on the Sri Lanka tour. It's been seven months since we played an international game. BCB is in discussion to get started on domestic cricket. There were a couple of invitations from other countries to play some games in December but there is nothing confirmed yet. Obviously, domestic cricket needs to get going and it will be good if the players could play some sort of domestic and competitive cricket before heading towards the international game. So, if there is any form of domestic cricket the players can play that might be our first priority," he said.
Despite the long break, the 46-year-old thinks the players looked in good form during training sessions.
"I think we are very fortunate to organise the average person practises and now it's been over per month we are training as an organization. I have already been so pleased by the players and proud of the task they have devote. The players seem to be to be in good touch in the nets. The bowlers seem to be in very good condition. So, we are very pleased with where in fact the boys are actually. Now our challenge is to take that preparation and slowly visit the gameplan and work for international cricket."
The coach also deemed players not having the ability to play cricket for a long period as a blessing as that, according to him, permits the coaches to work on the technical facet of each cricketer which is often not possible in both to three weeks of time before a series.
"We have been dealing with Shadman Islam's batting stance. Najmul Hossain Shanto's head drops a bit while playing spinners. We've been working with them on these technical issues. It's a positive sign that people can work on the technical aspect now which is difficult to do in both to three weeks of time before a string," Domingo added.
He also expressed high hopes of developing seven or eight fast bowlers who could play in all formats in the coming days both in the home and abroad.
The coach said they have been trying to stay impressive in encouraging the players as there are no scheduled international fixtures for the Tigers in the coming days.
