Rubel being left out because of team combination: Courtney Walsh

Bangladesh have had success against West Indies in recent times - they beat them thrice in the tri-series in Ireland - but the likes of Chris Gayle, Andre Russell and Nicholas Pooran were not part of the squad that lost the tri-series final by five wickets.

The big-hitting Gayle and Russell pose big threats to oppositions, but Walsh was quick to point out that Bangladesh would look deeply into the entire West Indies squad while chalking out plans, rather than just sticking to individuals.

''They (Gayle and Russell) are two dangerous players we have to try to restrict, and get them out at the same time to have more control of the game,'' Walsh said during a practice session at Taunton on Friday (June 14).

''We will be focused on their entire team because they have very good players in their team as well. I am sure we can perform as a team against West Indies.

''It is a different tournament and we have to do it all over again. We will be looking in the context of the game itself. We will be seeing players who didn't come to Bangladesh or play against us in the West Indies," he said.

Rubel Hossain's non-inclusion

Lack of pace is an aspect of the game that has hurt Bangladesh thus far, and interestingly, the management is yet to bring in Rubel Hossain, who has the ability to bowl 140kph. This has raised many eyebrows, and pundits have called for his inclusion given his experience.

There was wide spread speculation that Bangladesh opted to change their team-formation of three pace bowlers and two spinners just to accommodate Rubel in the playing XI for the game against Sri Lanka that was abandoned due to rain.

Asked about Rubel's exclusion, Walsh said the 29-year-old has been missing out due to team combination. "This question is for the selectors [why he is not selected],'' said Walsh.

''He had a very good season last year. He is bowling pretty well this year too, but because of the formation of the team, he hasn't been able to get in. I just hope he takes his chance well with still a couple of more games left in the tournament.

"He has been bowling well in the nets so it is a plus for Bangladesh cricket. Hopefully whenever he gets his chance, he will make it count,'' he added.

Spin the main strength

With the pace department not really firing, Mashrafe and Co. bank of the tweakers to give the breakthroughs mainly in the middle overs and Shakib has led from the front, sometimes even bowling with a fairly new ball.

Spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi expressed his satisfaction with the way the spinners have operated.

''I think it has been very heartening to see them bowl for a spin coach. Shakib (Al Hasan) and (Mehidy Hasan) Miraz have done well. Mosaddek (Hossain) has also chipped in with great contribution,'' said Joshi.

"Our spinners have done exceptionally well in the challenges and situations that they have faced. I think it is especially important for our bowling unit, because spin is our main weapon and weather forbids they will have a role to play. I think spinners know what my advice to them is, so it has to be kept as a team secret.

"We have seen the best example when England were 100 for no loss. Mosaddek and Miraz came and bowled to the two right-handers. They are bowling the best to the right-handers as well,'' he concluded.