Bangladesh's batting collapse revives questions over Ashraful's exit

Bangladesh's second-morning collapse against West Indies has brought renewed attention to the decision to remove Mohammad Ashraful as the national team's batting coach, with the hosts losing seven wickets for 59 runs after appearing well placed in the first Test in Mirpur.

Bangladesh resumed the second day at 213 for three, with Shadman Islam unbeaten on 99. The opener completed his third Test century but was dismissed for 105, triggering a collapse that saw the home side bowled out for 272. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican took five wickets for 53 runs.

The collapse came a day after interim batting coach Mohammad Salahuddin praised Shadman's approach and said the opener had improved his ability to turn promising starts into substantial scores. Salahuddin also credited Ashraful for the work he had done with Bangladesh's batters during his year in the role.

"Ashraful was here for a year. He worked a lot with the batters," Salahuddin said, adding that the former coach deserved credit for his contribution.

His remarks offered a more nuanced perspective on Ashraful's departure, which came just days before the West Indies series. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has not publicly provided a detailed explanation for the change, while Salahuddin has taken charge on an interim basis.

Ashraful had defended his record after being removed, pointing to Bangladesh's five victories in eight Tests during his tenure. 

However, the team's batting performances across formats, particularly in the recent UAE ODI tri-series, had come under scrutiny.

The first innings in Mirpur has now presented a fresh test of Bangladesh's batting resilience. Shadman's century provided the foundation for a much larger total, but the middle and lower order failed to build on it. Litton Das remained unbeaten on 34 as Bangladesh lost their final five wickets for just 19 runs.

The result does not, by itself, establish whether the coaching change was justified. It does, however, underline the challenge facing Salahuddin as he takes temporary responsibility for the batting unit: turning individual contributions into sustained team performances.

With the West Indies responding at 134 for four at stumps on the second day, Bangladesh must now find a way to recover in the match.

The longer-term question remains whether the board's search for a new batting coach will bring the consistency the team has struggled to maintain.