ICC World Cup 2019 | We are just trying to get everybody ready, reveals Courtney Walsh

ICC World Cup 2019 | We are just trying to get everybody ready, reveals Courtney Walsh

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Courtney Walsh has stated that Bangladesh is working to make sure that if the need arises, every bowler will be ready to open the bowling for them depending on the state of the pitch. He also defender skipper Mashrafe Mortaza from the critics by saying he has complete confidence in his abilities.

With seven points from three games, Bangladesh has had more than a decent World Cup considering the nation’s history in the tournament and have a real chance of making a big splash on the global stage. However, to have any chance of qualifying for the semis, the Tigers need to win their next two games at all costs, while also hoping New Zealand triumph over England.

Their first test is in Birmingham on Tuesday where they take on a resilient Indian side that has lost only one of its seven games. Their bowling coach wants to make sure that they are well prepared and not taking any risks when they take the field for the do-or-die game. He addressed the issue of taking early wickets, something Bangladesh has struggled to do so far.

"We are just trying to get everybody ready; saying anybody could bowl with the new ball. We have got three seamers playing now and Rubel played in one of the games before. So, any of those guys could bowl with the new ball because we're trying to get them ready for that,” Courtney Walsh was reported saying by Cricbuzz.

The pitches were expected to be worn out and get drier as the tournament progresses. However, we witnessed something quite different in the game between India and England. While the Edgbaston pitch was very slow in the earlier matches played during the course of the World Cup, Sunday saw both the teams getting scores of 300-plus with the ball coming very nicely onto the bat, and the surface offering very little for the spinners. 

"Obviously, if things are swinging and there is a bit in the air, (Mohammad) Shaifuddin gets a little bit more swing than probably Fizz [Mustafizur Rahman]. But Fizz still gets a bit of shape so and then, as you know Mashrafee is always swinging it around and so it's a good option to have,” Walsh quoted.  So far, Shakib Al Hasan has proved to be the team’s leading wicket taker with 10 to his name, while the pacers have struggled to strike when needed.

"We have to assess what's going to happen here in Birmingham. If the wicket's going to turn, then it's best for us to have a spinner bowling earlier as well trying to get an early wicket. So, we'll have a look at the game to see what the wicket has been like today in this game. But obviously with the new ball if there is going to be any swing or movement, we would want the seamers to use it as well. So, I think it's on the day what the surface has to hold and how well we react on the day," the legendary Windies pace bowler added.

The story of captain Mashrafe Mortaza has been no different from the team’s other pacers. The veteran bowler has only one wicket from the six matches they have played in the World Cup so far and has been far from his best with back injuries and niggles in the leg a constant cause of concern. However, Walsh still banks on his experience and has faith in his skills.

"Wickets are not the key thing and well he has not got enough wickets as we know. He is playing well and bowling good. I am sure the wickets will come. I am not really concerned about having wickets. I am more concerned about keeping them tight and doing my job," Walsh concluded on the matter.

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