Bangladesh aim for ‘dream’ finale

Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons said that winning their One-Day International (ODI) series against England would be a...

BIRMINGHAM: Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons said winning their One-Day International (ODI) series against England would be a “dream”, and was anything but an impossible mission as his side gets ready for the final ODI today at Edgbaston. The Tigers ended a 24-game losing streak against across all formats with a dramatic five-run win against England in the second ODI at Bristol. It was their first ever win against England after 20 defeats split between losses in eight Tests and 12 ODIs and meant they levelled the three-match series at 1-1.

“The jubilation has gone and I guess we’re getting ready to play another game,” said Siddons.

“It was really great to see the boys perform well under pressure and come out with a win,” added the Australian.

Meanwhile, England captain Andrew Strauss insisted he felt no shame at being the first England captain to lose to Bangladesh. “They were going to beat us at some stage and we were just hoping it would be some stage in the future,” said Strauss after the defeat.

“I’m still very buoyant but you need to learn from your mistakes.”

Another blow for England is Ian Bell’s injury. He has been replaced by batsman Ravi Bopara for the last ODI. And with the British press scathing the shock defeat, The Mail calling it a “full custard pie in the face”, the final match promises to be a thrilling contest.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 12^th, 2010.