'One of the best I've seen' - Russell Domingo on Mushfiqur Rahim-Liton Das' record stand

Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das received praises from head coach Russell Domingo after their prolific performance against Sri Lanka on the first day of the second Test in Dhaka. The duo rescued their side after a collapse and added a record 253 runs for the sixth wicket. They joined hands when Bangladesh were 24/5 and went on to end the day at 277/5 courtesy of the unbeaten stand.

Sri Lankan pacers Kasun Rajitha and Asitha Fernando destroyed the opponent’s batting order, scalping five wickets in the first seven overs into the game. However, Mushfiqur and Das stood strong for the team, and while the former hit an unbeaten 115, the latter put up an unbeaten 135 after being dropped at 47.

“It is one of the best partnerships I have seen as a coach in Tests. We were 20 for five and under a lot of pressure. It was an amazing effort by those two batters. Obviously, we didn’t start well this morning with a couple of false shots along with a couple of good deliveries. Test cricket is hard but those guys showed amazing skill and character to get us in this good position,” Domingo was quoted by Cricbuzz.

Das had been in great form since the past few games, and Domingo believes that he is not done yet. He reckons the right-handed batter has taken his game to the next level as a result of his training and has a lot to offer in the near future.

“I think technique is a very important aspect in international cricket. I think Litton has evolved his game. He has developed a very good batting technique. He has found a good way to prepare for Tests in the last year and a half, knowing when to do the work and when not to do the work. He has developed a good routine.”

“This is his third hundred. He has a long way to go. He is a fantastic player, so easy on the eyes. He has so much time. But it is pretty much the start of hopefully a successful Test career. He has a lot of work to do. He has done amazing work in the last 18 months, but he is not the finished article. He has taken his game to the next level. I think batting lower down the order has helped him. He will definitely become Bangladesh’s number 4 or 5 in time to come. Numbers 6 and 7, take the pressure off him. He can play with intent and positivity,” he added.

Mushfiqur has amazing determination and a desire to do well: Domingo

Domingo also said that Mushfiqur Rahim’s grit and fortitude to do well for his side keep him going. He also stated that quality players need to be backed when they go through a rough patch, and one should never doubt their abilities.

“He hits more balls than anybody I have ever seen. He has amazing determination and a desire to do well. I think a lot of the players want a little bit of love and support particularly when things are not going well for you. For sure, he has worked a little bit on his technique in the last couple of games. But he knows how to get runs. It is all about supporting players who are going through a bad run. You don’t just get rid of quality players like that if they are going through a slump. Just be patient and back their ability,” Domingo said.