Say hi to Mash from me: Domingo to journalist

Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo was in a content mood at the Tigers' optional practice today following Afif Hossain and Mehedi Hasan's astonishing knocks that saw to seize victory from the jaws of defeat in the first ODI against Afghanistan on Wednesday. Later during the press conference, he was asked a question regarding former captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and he appeared to know where the questions were coming from.
 

Mashrafe had spoken about Domingo and other South African coaching staff in the team in recent times. In October last year, the former captain accused Domingo of not supporting the team and not doing his job.

"The current team management looks like a rehab centre, where all previously jobless South African coaches have been given jobs. Sacking them is an even bigger problem as they will return with the full amount of their agreement,' Mashrafe had written on a Facebook post back then.

Today, following practice at the Zahur Ahmed Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, Domingo was on the front foot to most questions.

Mashrafe had once told during an interview that Domingo had wanted to discuss things about his playing career over a cup of coffee. The duo did not have the meeting and today Domingo was asked if he did have the time to talk with Mashrafe. Domingo, however, wanted to clarify something first. "For starters, has Mash retired yet?"

He went on to clarify his stance.

"To be honest, I am not interested in players that are not part of the national squad. Like I said, noise from outside – what people say or write – not that important in my life. My focus is on my team, my family and my job. Not too much else."

There has been a lot of criticism on Domingo's role with the national side. Even BCB think tank have often reiterated that they were looking for a head coach and that Domingo would continue until they find a top-quality coach for the side. 

Asked if he was confident of staying on, Domingo went on the front foot again. 

"You must ask the BCB. If I weren't a confident coach, I wouldn't be coaching an international team. Whatever the media or public say, for me, I don't wanna sound rude, but it is not that important.

"You can write what you want about me and the players, it is important that I keep that noise away from the players. If I get affected by it, I can't expect my players to not be affected by it," the coach said while adding he was aware of the media noise was apparent but did not quite know what to think of the stories in the media.

"I can't understand anything you write most of the time, so it is not that important for me," he divulged.

Following practice, he addressed the journalist who asked him about Mashrafe. "Say hi to Mash from me," Domingo said while leaving the press conference.

Bangladesh are now sitting pretty in second position with 90 points in the ODI Super League with 9 wins in 13 matches. Two more wins in the ongoing Afghanistan series will solidify their qualification scenario and Domingo's confidence was not out of place following yesterday's win.

Mashrafe stepped away from captaincy during the home series against Zimbabwe in March 2020. He lost his place in the ODI lineup altogether after stepping away from the role. The fast bowler returned to competitive cricket after a long break during the recently-concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). 

Today's practice session saw Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad and pacers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman opting out along with a few others. And Domingo, along with batting coach Jamie Siddons, spin coach Rangana Herath and team director Khaled Mahmud attended the session, giving suggestions on technique and application.