We will need something really special: Domingo

After a disappointing day in the field, Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo faced the media on Monday as the Tigers were on the verge of another Test defeat on home soil.

In the press conference, Domingo, facing the media for the first time since the World Cup, answered questions about the result of the match, Liton Das’ batting, Bangladesh opening problems and the World Cup debacle, where they lost six out of their eight games.

Here are some excerpts-Result of the match

Domingo: We were really good in the first two days. Most of day three was good, but we didn’t bat well in the last session yesterday. It put us under big pressure. It was disappointing to see. Pakistan are well ahead in the game. They need another 93 runs, so it will need something really special. We have to come tomorrow morning believing we still have a chance. If we can pick up one or two wickets in the first half an hour, anything is possible.

Liton’s batting position

Domingo: Liton has been averaging close 60 in the last 18 months. He has played some really good innings for us in the middle. We found a good spot for him at No 6 or 7, which allows him to bat with the lower-order and get the confidence going. It took him a while to find his way in Test cricket. Over the last year, he has been a big positive for us in Tests. Maybe in another year’s time, he can be the new no 4 or 5.

The Opening problem

Domingo: It has been disappointing. We weren’t happy at the way they got out considering the nature of the wicket. We are finding ourselves under pressure against the new ball. Saif (Hasan) is very inexperienced. Shadman (Islam) has played maybe ten. It has been tough for them against high-quality bowlers. So there’s a lot of work for them to do in Tests.

Improving in Tests

Domingo: I can see massive improvements, but we are not sustaining it for longer periods. Maybe the competition and intensity aren’t there for a long period in domestic cricket. There’s a shortage of sustained pressure absorption. We got ourselves in a great position but we were just not able to seal the deal. I am sure the players are also very frustrated. We seem to be making improvements in the format but they have been just making silly mistakes at crucial stages.

World Cup debacle

Domingo: If you look at the five games we lost in the Super 12s, we were in very good positions against West Indies and Sri Lanka. We ended up playing without three of our first choice players- Shakib, Saifuddin and Sohan. If you take three top players out of Australia and South Africa teams, they too will feel vulnerable. We didn’t play well, and we appreciate the frustration. We should have beaten SL and WI. But you also have to put into context that we lost to three really good sides without three of our main players. It is no excuse.