Ottis Gibson has urged the Bangladesh bowlers not to panic if - and possibly when - they come under the cosh from England’ big hitters during Wednesday’s T20 World Cup match in Abu Dhabi, explaining that the opponents’ aggressive style would offer chances for his side to pick up wickets.
“We have to be on our A game if we want to challenge them and ultimately win the game,” Gibson, the team’s bowling coach, said.
“We know that England are a very powerful batting line-up. The key is to be accurate with what we deliver, and back ourselves. We know they will come out hard, but they also give you chances.
“The message is not to panic. Understand that you will get hit off a good ball. That's their mentality. But they also give you opportunity to take wickets. We must be calm to execute our skills and plans, and considered about every ball we bowl.”
Bangladesh have dropped six catches in the tournament so far, but Gibson tried to play down the misses.
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“One or two catches get dropped in every cricket match. Obviously when the catches play a part in the result, it is highlighted more but we do a lot of catching practice,” he said.
“When the guys are out in the middle under pressure, mistakes like catches going down happen. I won’t say it is a concern.”
Bangladesh also haven’t got the best from Mustafizur Rahman, who took a four-wicket haul against Oman, but has looked off-colour at times.
“Fizz is a key bowler for us in any conditions. His cutters are more effective in Bangladesh but one thing I like about him is his ability to adjust to conditions very quickly,” Gibson said.
“He is key especially in the backend of the innings, but he can also swing the ball back in now. We have worked very hard on it. He is a weapon for us with both the new and old ball.”
