Fri Dec 13 08:43:02 UTC 2024: ## Bangladesh Captain Calls for Batting Responsibility Ahead of West Indies Series
**DHAKA** – Bangladesh faces a challenging ODI series against the West Indies starting today, with several key players injured. Acting captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has issued a rallying cry, urging his batters to shoulder the responsibility for success.
Speaking ahead of the first match, Miraz acknowledged the absence of key players like regular captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, and the uncertainty surrounding Shakib Al Hasan’s international future. Despite these setbacks, he emphasized the opportunity for other players to shine and make the series memorable.
“This series is undoubtedly challenging,” Miraz stated in a video message released by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). “But this is an opportunity for others. Batters need to step up; cricket revolves around runs. When you score, it makes things much easier for the bowlers.”
Bangladesh boasts an impressive 11-match unbeaten streak against the West Indies in ODIs, including series victories in the Caribbean in 2018 and 2022. However, Miraz stressed the importance of focusing on the present. “What we did or didn’t do in the past doesn’t matter,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for us. We’ll stand by each other. When we support each other and play as a team, good results will come.”
Miraz highlighted the team’s focus on building big innings, adapting to the conditions, and providing crucial run support for the bowlers. The first of the three-match series begins at 8 PM Bangladesh time.
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