In a pivotal move ahead of the third ODI against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh has opted to sideline opener Liton Das, favoring promising talent Jaker Ali Anik for inclusion in the 15-member squad set to clash in Chattogram tomorrow. Liton’s recent struggles with form, underscored by back-to-back ducks in the ongoing home series against Sri Lanka, prompted selectors to seek a shift in batting dynamics.
With the series poised at 1-1 after Sri Lanka’s narrow victory in the second match, selectors aimed to fortify the team’s batting depth. Consequently, Jaker Ali Anik has earned his spot, poised to provide middle-order stability for the Tigers in place of Liton.
Despite Liton’s reputation as a formidable force in full flow, recent ODI performances reflect a concerning trend of inconsistency at the international level, with an average of just 24.11 since 2023. Such statistics prompted the selectors’ decision to opt for a change.
Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu clarified the rationale, citing Liton’s struggles in ODIs as the driving force behind the alteration.
“With the series ongoing, alterations are limited. However, Liton’s inconsistency in facing the new ball has led to his exclusion from the third ODI,” Lipu explained to the media.
For Jaker, this presents an ideal opportunity to prove his mettle on the international stage. Though yet to debut in ODIs, the 26-year-old showcased glimpses of his potential during the recent T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Jaker Ali’s inclusion adds versatility to the team’s middle-order options,
Lipu emphasized, labeling Jaker as the “most deserving candidate.”
Considering Bangladesh’s existing depth in openers with Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Anamul Haque Bijoy, selectors opted against a direct replacement for Liton.
We consulted with the coach and the captain and deliberated whether a middle-order batsman would be more suitable to fill Liton’s absence due to the gap therein. Jaker Ali Anik emerges as a fitting choice, given his ability as a keeper-batsman,
Lipu elaborated, highlighting Jaker’s adaptability to various batting roles.
Meanwhile, amidst Liton’s challenges, esteemed coach Nazmul Abedeen Fahim advocated for patience and support from the cricketing community, recognizing the mental strain of prolonged lean patches. Fahim cautioned against undue pressure on Liton.
It’s crucial for the team and players to stand by Liton, acknowledging that he may face further setbacks before regaining form. Cricket is as much a mental game as it is physical,
Fahim remarked.
Addressing the technical aspects of Liton’s dismissals, Fahim stressed the importance of a balanced batting approach and confidence at the crease.
The delivery he fell to could have been played softly on the ground. Perhaps, lack of recent runs has impacted his confidence,
Fahim noted, emphasizing the need for Liton to find a balance between caution and assertiveness, particularly against swing bowling early in the innings.
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