Najmul calls for better application from batters in ODI cricket

Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain believes the team's batting struggles in ODIs are due to carrying a T20 mindset into the 50-over format. Not long ago, ODIs were considered one of Bangladesh's strongest formats. However, recent statistics suggest otherwise. The team has won only seven of their last 25 ODIs, losing 14 matches, while one game was washed out.

Najmul said the team's focus on high strike rates and big shots is hurting their ability to build an innings in ODIs. He added that the side needs to adjust its approach if they want to achieve better results.

"I think as a batting unit, in the last ten to twelve ODIs we haven't been able to bat properly for 50 overs," Najmul told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. "So that is a concern – how we can bat well, especially in the middle overs, and finish the innings. In the last one to one-and-a-half years, we have played a lot of T20 cricket. So that could be one reason.

"Batsmen always have things like strike rate and big shots in their minds. How we can calm down a bit and build the innings rather than thinking too much about fours and sixes – if we improve in this area, then you will see that we can dominate the full 50 overs."

Najmul added that he is worried seeing that over aggressive trend in the BCL one-day tournament and insisted it needs to be addressed. "If you look at the entire BCL tournament, every team played in a similar way. It was very disappointing, especially for my own team. All four teams had experienced players who have played 50, 60, 70 ODIs.

"In such a situation, as a whole batting unit, we should have been more consistent. There should have been more hundreds, and we should have dominated for 50 overs, which didn't happen. This is something that is also happening in international cricket. So as batsmen, we need to focus more on this area. With the Pakistan series ahead, how we overcome this area is important."

The series would mark Bangladesh's return to ODI cricket since their home series against West Indies in October last year. It will also serve as preparation for both sides ahead of the ODI World Cup next year.