Is Sri Lanka series Domingo’s last chance?

When Russell Domingo signed up to be head coach of Bangladesh in august 2019, he joined a side that finished eighth at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and were whitewashed in limited over series in Sri Lanka.

Domingo, 46, has no experience playing first-class cricket, but gained a reputation as a coach from an early age.

Initially he aimed to build a good relationship with the Bangladeshi players and his main focus was on developing the next generation of players from the country.

However, his first assignment was Bangladesh’s one-off Test against Afghanistan in Chattogram in 2019. But Domingo was given a harsh introduction to the challenge with Bangladesh subsided to a 224 runs defeat against a minnows Afghan Test side who started their Test journey in 2018. And since then Tigers lost nearly two thirds of its internationals under Domingo’s coaching.

Whether it was Tigers’ failure or his failure as a mentor, Domingo’ role as Bangladesh head coach however under threat.

The morale of the Bangladesh team is now at its lowest with recent New Zealand series debacle. Bangladesh hoped high to bring their maiden glory on New Zealand backyard under Domingo’s coaching. But they were remained winless in New Zealand. A lot of media personnel and fans then raised questions over Domingo’s role following Tigers’ sorry run of successive defeats.

Bangladesh played six Tests as the pert of ICC Test World Test championship under Domingo’s coaching but Domingo is yet to bring any success for the Tigers. To beat Pakistan or India on their home ground is not an easy task. This is very true. As usual Bangladesh lost Tests in India and Pakistan respectively.

But handed embarrassing defeats against West Indies at home ground is not acceptable where the visitors came here without their almost all major cricketers. A fresh side not only frustrated Tigers but also clinched the Test series which was also the part of ICC World Test Championship.

Under Domingo’s guidance Bangladesh showed dreadful performance in limited over cricket last two years as well.

If Domingo’s main focus was on developing thefuture prospects in absence of big guns, he also failed here. Youngsters like Najmul Hasan Shanto, Afif Hossain, SaifHasan, Hasan Mahmud, Mohammad Naim who are considered Tigers’ future prospect, are yet to live up to the expectation for national colours. Even well-established Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Mohammad Mithun continued dismal show in recent past international series. As a result Soumya was dropped ahead of Sri Lanka series.

However Tigers’ next two international assignments are against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh are in Sri Lanka to play two Tests under ICC World Test Championship which is scheduled to begin from April 21. Sri Lanka will travel to Bangladesh in May to play three-match ODI series following Test series. So, critics think that the fate of Domingo largely depends on the performance of Tigers’ upcoming two series.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) directors do not want to say anything about this matter immediately but they hinted if it continues as it is, it will defiantly take the initiative in Domingo’s fate.