C T Online Desk: Tigers are set to return to Chattogram today (Thursday) for their final series before the T20 World Cup, with a three-match contest against Ireland doubling as a full-dress rehearsal for next February’s tournament in India.
Yet the cricket itself comes after a day of tension as captain Litton Das’s unusual criticism over the selection process has drawn discussion ahead of the opener.
Litton, however, urged his teammates to set the noise aside and focus on the squad of 15 at hand.
Bangladesh were swept 3–0 by West Indies in this city earlier in the year, and the captain repeated a familiar message — he wants his players to face difficult passages of play, and to learn how to win from them.
“I want our players to be pushed,” Litton said after training on Wednesday. “We didn’t win the last series, but this time we want to come through tough situations and finish matches.”
Chattogram has been chosen deliberately for back-to-back series in the build-up to the World Cup.
The surface here typically rewards batters, a trait expected in Indian venues as well. With early-winter dew likely to aid strokeplay further, Bangladesh hope to refine their plans in similar conditions.
One area under scrutiny is the middle order, which struggled in recent outings. Shamim Hossain’s omission and Mahidul Islam’s inclusion sparked debate, but Litton said he remains confident.
“They’re all proven players. I believe they’ll bounce back,” Litton said.
Expressing optimism, Curtis Campher said the visitors want to sharpen both their batting aggression and wicket-taking options before the World Cup. Asked about the pitch, he offered a light-hearted reply.
“It’ll still be 22 yards — same for both sides. Hopefully a lot of runs,” he said.
