Strong resolve key to overcoming weather conditions in Ireland, says Mashrafe

The Bangladesh cricket team have travelled to Ireland for a tri-nation One Day International series with an assortment of winter gears and apparels in light of the cold weather.

The arrangements, however, proved inadequate to overcome the weather conditions, so much so that the team’s manager Minhazul Abedin had to buy warm clothes for the players before their warm up match on Sunday.

But the players cannot take to the field donning an array of clothing items and accessories. Mashrafe Bin Mortaza has consequently given up hopes of adjusting to the weather, with the captain urging his side to accept the conditions and soldier on.

The Tigers are slated to play their first match of the tri-nation series against the West Indies on Tuesday, six days after their arrival in Ireland.

They have completed four practice sessions and a warm up match in that time. But that has not proved sufficient to acclimatise with the conditions in Ireland. Gusts of cold wind have been the main challenge facing the players.

The players were struggling to cope with the weather during the practice session ahead of the match against the West Indies. Speaking to the media, Mashrafe said that the team must overcome the elements with a collective strength of will.

“It’s a battle against the cold weather. I don’t think we will be able to completely adjust to it. Even those who live here have to battle the cold.”

“We don’t have the chance to adapt. We have to be mentally strong. But at the end of the day, when you’re out on the field, the weather won’t be anything more than an excuse. We have to accept this reality and play.”

Rain is also forecast during the match against the West Indies on Tuesday.