Dateline: Dhaka: Bangladesh's newly appointed senior assistant coach, Mohammad Salahuddin, believes the cricketers are well motivated to perform admirably in the West Indies despite a recent lean patch that saw them losing Test series to India and South Africa and an ODI series to Afghanistan. Bangladesh is set to embark on a month-long tour to the West Indies, engaging in a full bilateral series across all three formats of cricket. The tour will commence with a Test series, a format where Bangladesh has shown vulnerability, and the team has not secured a series win in the Caribbean since 2009. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Salahuddin expressed optimism in a video message posted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board on their social media handle, stating, "(But) the best thing is that the boys are motivated to play well. Everyone wants to wear the white jersey." He further shared his delight in observing the players' work ethic and expressed hope that this time they will make a significant difference. Interestingly, Salahuddin's journey as an assistant coach began in the West Indies 14 years ago, and he finds himself back in familiar territory as he starts his mission as a senior assistant coach. "After 14 years, I came back to West Indies, where I started my coaching career. Good to be here again," Salahuddin remarked, highlighting the players' heightened ambitions. "These boys have big dreams too. They want to break the barrier and go higher. Hope they do very well." Adding to the positive outlook, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam mentioned their intense preparation for the challenging series ahead. "We had a long journey. After coming here, we had some light training sessions. We did some skill practice. The facilities here are very good. As a team, we are preparing well," he said after the day's practice session. The Bangladesh team will begin their Test journey in Antigua on November 22, followed by the second and final Test in Kingstown, Jamaica, starting on November 30. Before the Test series, the te am will engage in a two-day warm-up game starting tonight in Antigua.
