Herath ‘discussed England series plans with Chandika, not selection’

Bangladesh's newly appointed head coach Chandika Hathurusingha is set to arrive in the country tomorrow and with England due on the 24th this month, the plans on preparations for the upcoming series are motoring along.

Bangladesh spin coach Rangana Herath, during the beginning of his professional career, has worked under Hathurusingha as a player during their days at Colombo's Moors Sports Club. The two have good memories of having worked together. Thus, the Bangladesh spin coach gave his view on Chandika's arrival and what it means.

Chandika is known as a hard taskmaster and Herath had previously talked about how fruitful it has been working with his former coach. When Herath was becoming a professional, Chandika was the captain-coach at Moors Sports Club. The Sri Lanka left-arm legend had also worked with Chandika in the Sri Lanka A side. During a series against Sri Lanka, Chandika, the then Bangladesh coach had also admitted that the two frequently talk and share ideas.

"Chandika has worked here before and done well during his previous stint. I have experienced playing alongside him as well as playing under him when he was coach. So, I have very positive feedback and confidence about him, and I'm sure he will help Bangladesh cricket," Herath told reporters today.

Herath confirmed that he has talked to Chandika after his appointment and they have discussed the upcoming series. He however averted controversy by citing that they did not discuss team selection. "Basically [talked] not about the selection but the plans for the series," he said.

Hathurusingha's keenness to be involved with selection had caused issues, especially during his first stint in Bangladesh.

Taijul Islam's selection had come as a bit of a surprise and Herath confirmed that it was the captain Tamim Iqbal, the coach Chandika and the selectors' call to pick Taijul in the squad. 

"100 percent selectors' call. The coach and captain as well. Not me. If they need some advice or information, I am happy to give that," he replied when asked if Taijul's inclusion was solely the selectors' call.

In Chandika's first spell, spinners got spinning tracks at home that helped the Tigers defeat sides like Australia and England. However, it created a dependency on spin that saw Tigers suffer in Test cricket later on. Herath reminded that he preferred Taijul in ODIs too but reminded it was not his call to sideline Nasum Ahmed.

"I see Taijul as a guy who can bowl in ODI cricket. It all depends on the situation. When Shakib is there, you don't need another two left-arm spinners. So, selectors will pick either Nasum or Taijul and when performances are sort of equal, someone will have to be selected. 

"I always prefer to have Taijul. As I said, because he has done well in West Indies. So, I see a lot of potential in ODIs for Taijul," Herath concluded.