Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons has confirmed that Bangladesh T20 captain Litton Das will bat at No.5 in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, starting Wednesday.
The 31-year-old hasn’t occupied the middle order since the 2019 ICC World Cup, but Simmons is hopeful the shift will help Litton find form in 50-over cricket.
In Litton’ last eight ODI innings, he has yet to reach double figures, prompting the rethink. Simmons believes the move benefits both the player and the team.
“He has been comfortable batting anywhere,” Simmons said.
“I think he's a lot more relaxed with his game and he sees it as an opportunity to do what the team needs of him. We didn't have to convince Litton for anything. All we asked was, 'this is what the team needs', and he was happy to do it. He is happy to do anything for the team, when he is captain, he's happy to do it for us now.”
Das has previously thrived at No.5, scoring an enterprising 94 against the West Indies during the 2019 World Cup. Simmons believes returning him to this position will suit both the player and the side.
“First of all, it is very difficult to keep for 50 overs and then come and open the batting,” Simmons added.
“He is also one of our better players of spin bowling. The middle order has been one of our Achilles heels. So, him going down there with his experience and his skills, hopefully we can get what we need there.”
While Litton has been consistent in T20s and Tests, ODIs have been a struggle. He missed the last two ODI series—against Afghanistan and West Indies-- due to injury but is now back with a new role. Traditionally a top-order batter, he is being groomed for the middle order. During recent match-scenario practice with players outside the national squad, he was seen at No.5, confirming the plan.
Once a regular opener and even captain for Bangladesh in ODIs, Litton has faced a prolonged run drought. In 95 ODI appearances, he has opened in 69 matches, scoring 2,074 runs at an average of 32.4, including all five of his centuries.
By contrast, he has struggled in other positions:
No.3: 246 runs in 16 innings, average 17.57
No.4: 81 runs in 6 innings, average 16.2
However, at No.5, Das has proven his class: 168 runs in 4 matches at an average of 56, including the famous 94 not out at Taunton in 2019.
Since the 2023 World Cup, Litton hasn’t scored a fifty in ODIs. In his last 14 innings, he has failed to reach double figures in eight of them. Although he prefers the top order, Litton is now willing to bat anywhere to regain his place.
Bangladesh fans will be hoping that the move pays off as their middle order looks to finally find some stability against Pakistan.
