Cook impressed with Bangladeshis’ preparations ahead of ODI series

By Clifton Ross

BANGLADESH fielding coach Ryan Cook on Monday praised the Tigers for what he’s seen during their preparations, leading up to next week’s start to the One Day International (ODI) series versus West Indies. Cook spoke with the media after Monday’s training session and heavily praised his team’s efforts thus far, as they have been looking sharp in all areas as they further get themselves into 50-Overs cricket mode.

“It makes a massive difference, red ball or white ball. Obviously the One Day and the T20 become more amplified but that doesn’t make it less important than the Tests. In ODI cricket you get tested for a lot like catching, bowling and ground fielding which is under pressure most of the time,” Cook said Monday.
Bangladesh have been known to present a tough challenge to competitors over the recent years and Cook was firm that this series is also a big test to help his players sharpen those important areas.
“It’s important from all aspects of the game and in one-day cricket you get tested for all things. You got your catching, you got your throwing, you got your ground fielding most of the time under pressure throughout the 50 overs and I am looking forward to that challenge,” he said.
Cook further added that he expects to increase the pace of things ahead of first match on January 20. “The guys have come after a bit of a break after the 20-over competition. So, getting the guys slowly focussing on the movement patterns and very much to their basics, trying to get their arm coming on, obviously from a long time of not throwing …”

“Those things get rusty and players pick up a few injuries so getting the guys into it slowly raises the intensity as the series comes closer,” Cook expounded.
Regarding the mindset of his players heading into the series against the Windies, the fielding coach lauded the hosts for keeping a positive approach and having that dedication reflected during their training. “A lot of the guys have great attitudes now. They are trying hard for their fielding and they are putting in work and some extra effort and a lot of energy so I like that. A lot of things need to be done on their technique for catching especially and their ground fielding but generally, their throwing arms are pretty good. Hopefully, that enthusiasm that they got will help them improve a lot,” Cook ended.  Meanwhile both parties from the Bangladesh and West Indies who arrive recently, have all returned negative COVID-19 tests as they prepare to enter the bubble ahead of the series start.