Liton Das Returns to Middle Order to Boost Team Stability
News Desk
Dhaka: In a strategic shake-up ahead of the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan starting March 11, Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has confirmed a major change in the team’s middle order, promoting Liton Das to bat at number 5. The move signals Bangladesh’s intent to address one of their long-standing weaknesses in limited-overs cricket.
Simmons emphasized that the decision was driven by the need for stability and experience in the middle order, particularly against spin bowling.
“It is not easy to wait for fifty overs and suddenly come and bat, but Liton is one of our best options against spin. The middle order has been our weakness for a long time, so we hope he will provide the performance that the team needs there,” he said.
Liton Das, returning to the ODI setup for the first time since December 2023, has faced a challenging patch in international cricket, failing to reach double figures in his last eight ODI innings.
Yet, the team management remains confident in his ability to anchor the middle order. Liton’s last notable performance at number 5 came during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, where he scored an unbeaten 94 against the West Indies in Taunton.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/india-wins-third-t20-world-cup-sets-multiple-records/
The move also reflects Bangladesh’s broader strategy to revamp the squad, with Jaker Ali and Nurul Hasan dropped and Mahidul Islam Ankon retained for his middle-order experience.
Simmons noted that convincing Liton to take on the new role was straightforward, as the batsman is willing to adapt to the team’s requirements.
Bangladesh is returning to international cricket after nearly three months, having missed the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup due to a political deadlock.
However, domestic competitions such as the Bangladesh Cricket League have allowed players to maintain form and confidence for the 50-over format.
Simmons expressed hope that the team would replicate the attacking approach seen in the third ODI against the West Indies last year, when Bangladesh posted a strong total of 296 runs.
With the series against Pakistan on the horizon, Bangladesh’s reshuffled middle order, led by Liton Das, could prove crucial in providing stability and firepower in the middle overs, potentially determining the outcome of the ODIs.
