Litton points to fatigue after West Indies whitewash
Before the Asia Cup last month, Bangladesh had a month-long camp. They then played the Asia Cup in the UAE, followed immediately by ODI and T20I series against Afghanistan without returning home. After a six-week tour, the players were back in Bangladesh for only three days before facing the West Indies.
After the prize-giving ceremony, all the players were walking back to the dressing room. But captain Litton Das's duties weren't over yet. Drained by the disappointment of a home-series whitewash against the West Indies, he had to face the media to explain Bangladesh's failures.
Throughout the series, Bangladesh's batting faltered. They couldn't chase 150 in the previous match and, yesterday, lost again after posting 151 while batting first. Addressing the media at the Birshreshtha Motiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram, Litton pointed to player fatigue and said a break could help the team recharge.
"The players here have proved themselves. They've been part of the national team for a long time. A bad series can happen," Litton said. "Everyone who played has shown their quality. Some players always perform well. I think the break is important. I feel they're a bit tired. After some rest, they'll come back refreshed and play well."
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Before the Asia Cup last month, Bangladesh had a month-long camp. They then played the Asia Cup in the UAE, followed immediately by ODI and T20I series against Afghanistan without returning home. After a six-week tour, the players were back in Bangladesh for only three days before facing the West Indies.
Highlighting that packed schedule, Litton said, "Sometimes cricketers play too much cricket, and fatigue sets in. You try to give your best, but things don't always go your way. Maybe this was one of those series. Everyone has been playing continuously for a long time."
Even now, there's not much of a break. Bangladesh will play a two-match Test series against Ireland from November 11, followed by three T20Is. The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is expected to start within two weeks of that, and the T20 World Cup looms in February.
Litton hopes the short break before the Ireland series will help the players recover. "Cricketers need rest too," he said. "When you play continuously, not everything goes in your favour. At least now they'll get about ten days to restart and prepare for the Ireland series. I believe everyone will recover well and come back stronger."
