It is easy to get confused looking at Jamie Siddons' biodata. He was once the head coach of the Bangladesh national team and later he returned as a batting coach of the same team.
Now he has taken responsibility to train Bangladesh ‘A’ team and Bangladesh Tigers. He has been working with Sadman Islam, Mominul Haq and others at the academy field for the past few days amid the busyness with the Dhaka Premier League.
In an interview with Banglanews, Siddons recently shared different issues including his new role, observation of the current Bangladesh national team and his future plan.
Here are the excerpts from the interview:
Banglanews: You left the job with the national team a few days ago; now started working with some cricketers of the 'A' team. How is everything going?
Siddons: Most of the cricketers are now tired after the DPL matches. They need rest, that's why many players didn't come. Sadman, Shamim and Mominul came today. I worked with them for a long time. I have taken more preparations for the red ball, because there is a game against the West Indies 'A' team ahead. But I tried to figure out some things that can make them better ODI or T20 cricketers.
Banglanews: The diversity of your work also seems to have increased. You worked with Shamim and Sadman who are completely different types of batsmen...
Siddons: Look, cricket is a very 'simple' game indeed. Whatever the format or the player - if you put the ball in a certain place, the result is the same for everyone. I know the two are completely different, their personalities or techniques are different; but they have to keep their batting foundation perfect, that's the thing. I worked to gain their confidence in some shots. How to technique in pool or square or certain shots; I am working on these.
Banglanews: These cricketers were also in the national team. What are the differences between that camp and here?
Siddons: The national team is always ready to play matches — the next Test match, the next ODI or T20. This camp is for honing your skills, learning new skills and quality, and developing your own game; so that you can make a bigger 'game plan'.
If you can't play sweep shot, come here and learn. Later it will be played in ODI or Test matches. Or suppose you don't have a pool shot, you can easily play it here. You can drill with them. It is not possible in the national team, it is very difficult. I like to teach, so this place is good.
Banglanews: You came here and worked with the national team for almost two years. At that time, there was some criticism but, in the end, the team was doing well in batting. Do you feel regret leaving the responsibility of the national team during a good time?
Siddons: Not at all, this is a good time to leave or transfer responsibility. I think I have done my part. The boys are playing very good cricket. Now is the time to build the next generation. I enjoy it here.
Banglanews: You also work here with Mominul. He has been through a long hard time. How do you see him now?
Siddons: I think he (Mominul) scored 84 in two matches (test) ago. He has not played in the national team for a long time. He was unbeaten in the last match as well. Mominul does not play white ball cricket. I am working on these issues for now. I'm not thinking too far.
Banglanews: Do you consider Mominul as a white ball cricket?
Siddons: I want him to play in all formats. He did not get a team in the BPL last time. I want him to have a chance. I decided to work with him a lot on this.
Banglanews: Is it necessary for a cricketer like Mominul to play in all formats?
Siddons: I think it is important to have opportunities to play in all formats. It is also necessary for the exercises required to achieve its goals. Mominul also doesn't want to be just a test cricketer. It takes six months or so to play a test match. He doesn't want that, always wants to be with the team. We are practicing for all formats. I think it will not harm his test cricket, but will help him.
Banglanews: How is the feature of test cricket batting, aggressive?
Siddons: You may say it after watching today's practice. But the first two days we worked on defensive batting, how to release the ball.
You might see Afif or Shamim in practice, but they are not in our Test squad at the moment. They are white ball cricketers. Why are they in four-day matches? Because they are the best cricketers of our next generation. We hope they will improve as Test cricketers. Because we need more cricketers in this format. There are many in this 'A' team, Dipu (Shahadat Hossain), Sadman (Islam); they are being made. But none of them are trained to become cricketers of a certain format. They have become better batters.
Banglanews: Afif has been playing with the white ball in the national team for a long time; he is yet to be seen with the red ball. He already dropped from the national team due to his poor timing. Now he is again placed in red ball cricket. Will it affect his white ball cricket career?
Siddons: But now he is playing white ball cricket (Dhaka Premier League). He has had enough practice at this. Afif himself thinks he is a good red ball cricketer. We don't want to lock anyone into any one format, it doesn't work. The national team plays throughout the year, they always want to play. They want to play all matches for the national team, not any specific format. If we don't have them, they are good enough; great thing. Shakib plays in all formats, Mushfiq plays very well, Tamim can easily play in all formats if he wants to. I can't call Mominul, Shamim or Afif cricketers of one format.
Banglanews: Have you had any talk with Afif? Does he see his future in test cricket?
Siddons: He (Afif) has always said that he can do well in red ball. That means, if he gets a chance, he has the belief to do great things in tests as well.
Banglanews: After you left the national team, did you talk to any of its cricketers?
Siddons: They (cricketers) don't think about who is doing the coaching. They just want to play. They now have a new batting coach, they will work under him. My job now is to build the next generation.
Banglanews : If Shakib-Tamim needs you again?
Siddons: This is actually our main plan. When the national team will play - let's say the national team is playing the T20 World Cup, I will work with Tamim. All the cricketers can come to me anytime. My door is always open for everyone.
Banglanews: Everyone thinks that the World Cup will come with the hands of Shakib-Tamim. What do you think?
Siddons: I think it is more important to ensure quality play. If we can continue that aggressive batting, then we can go far in the World Cup. It is possible to do something very good.
BDST: 2113 HRS, MAY 11, 2023
MN/SMS
