Litton Das to take up middle-order role on ODI comeback
What's the story
Bangladesh's senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin has confirmed that Litton Das will be batting in the middle order for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, starting on March 11. Salahuddin emphasized that he thinks the team is bigger than the individual, while explaining the decision to move Litton from his usual top-order position, where he scored all five of his ODI centuries.
Recent form
Litton batted at number 5 in a practice match
Ahead of the Pakistan series, Litton batted at number five in a practice match against BCL All Stars XI. This was part of Bangladesh's preparations for the upcoming series. Salahuddin said, "It's true that he batted at the top for most part of his ODI career but at the same time we don't feel he doesn't have what it takes to shine in the middle order."
Strategic shift
The decision to move Litton was strategic
Salahuddin explained that the decision to move Litton to the middle order was strategic, given that some experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah have retired. He said that at this point there is a gap in the middle order as some of our experienced campaigner like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah retired and we feel we need another experienced campaigner to fill those vacant positions, and as a result we opted to bring him in the middle order.
Proven track record
His experience (in the middle order) is very important here
Salahuddin also highlighted Litton's experience in the middle order, especially in Test cricket where he usually bats at number six. He said, "Litton's experience (in the middle order) is very important here and if you look at his Test cricket record, it's outstanding. He bats at six there, sometimes five or six." This decision comes after Litton was left out of Bangladesh's ODI plans since July last year and played just three List 'A' matches during this time.
Format transition
His experience will help our team, says Salahuddin
Despite not playing ODIs since July last year, Litton has been active in T20 cricket, playing 30 recognized matches during this period. He scored 696 runs at an average of 25.77 with a strike rate of 130.58, including five half-centuries. Salahuddin said, "Litton performed well in two formats and struggled only in the ODI format in the recent past and we are hoping if he settles in the middle order during the series his experience will help our team."