Mohammad Ashraful made his debut as Bangladesh’s batting coach during the recent Test series against Ireland, where the hosts produced commanding performances with the bat, although team director Abdur Razzak says it is too early to draw conclusions about Ashraful’s influence.
Bangladeshi batters dominated from the outset in the first Test in Sylhet, piling up 587 for eight in their first innings. Mahmudul Hasan Joy struck 171 and Najmul Hossain Shanto added 100, while Shadman Islam (80), Mominul Haque (82) and Liton Das (60) all contributed half centuries. Bangladesh went on to win by an innings and 47 runs.
The strong form continued in Dhaka. In his 100th Test, Mushfiqur Rahim scored 106 in the first innings and added an unbeaten 53 in the second. Liton made 128 in the first innings, supported by Mehidy Hasan Miraz with 47 and Mominul with 63. In the second innings, Joy (60), Shadman (78) and Mominul (87) again put Bangladesh in control as they posted 297 and secured a convincing 217 run victory.
While the volume of runs impressed, several within the setup remain cautious about attributing progress directly to Ashraful, given the opposition. Even so, his presence during training and matches has been noticeable, with players observed frequently consulting him throughout both Tests.
Ahead of the T20 series, Razzak acknowledged Ashraful’s early engagement but urged patience. “Ashraful is a very experienced player. He has worked for only one series, so it is difficult to say much after such a short time,” he said. “These kinds of inclusions take time. Only after a longer period can you understand what impact someone is having. It is difficult to make any comment straight away.”
Razzak, however, noted Ashraful’s hands on involvement. “In terms of tactics rather than technique, Ashraful is definitely contributing. He is talking, he is engaging. I see him always close to the batters in practice, even during matches he is speaking to them,” he said. “I feel this will have a positive impact, Inshallah.”
