Chief selector Habibul Bashar Sumon has outlined a six month plan to fix Bangladesh’s struggles in ODI run chases, linking the problem to the World Cup in South Africa.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, after the West Indies Test squad was announced, Bashar admitted the problem: “We are struggling when chasing 250 or more runs. The main objective is to identify whether this is due to mental pressure or technical issues.”

“Considering the World Cup will be held in South African conditions, we need to be prepared to chase 300 runs. We will work on solving this problem over the next six months.”

Bashar put the burden on the top order, especially the openers, after a run of disappointing one day displays. He described the Test batters as settled and the middle order as less of a concern than the start it is given.

“When two or three wickets fall within the first 10 overs, the middle order comes under additional pressure. If our top order builds a good foundation through the opening partnership, the middle-order batters will be able to score big totals comfortably.”

For the two World Test Championship matches against West Indies, selectors preferred continuity to wholesale change. Bashar admitted some uncertainty over Litton Das’s fitness but said the board is hopeful of his recovery and expects the Test side to sustain its good form.

Nahid Rana’s injury is a big loss for Bangladesh, as the young pacer was the team’s X factor. Even so, Bashar is confident in a pace attack of Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam, who he says are all bowling brilliantly.

Soumya Sarkar and Syed Khaled Ahmed were left out so they could play first class cricket in the National Cricket League (NCL) and keep up match practice. Bashar said Soumya’s recent ODI form was not the reason for his omission.

“First-class matches are being played in the NCL. Our regular opening pair will probably play in the Test, which meant Soumya had little chance of making the playing XI.

“We wanted him to play a first-class match instead of sitting on the sidelines in the squad. That is why we have not included an additional third opener in the team either.”

Khaled’s omission follows the same logic.

“Four pacers are enough for our squad. Those who do not get a place in the playing XI should play first-class matches to keep themselves prepared. That is what we wanted.”

The squad could still change before the South Africa tour or the next series. Selectors also chose not to rush Amit Hasan in as a backup wicketkeeper, preferring to bring him along gradually.

“Jaker Ali has made a brilliant comeback by scoring runs in all formats of domestic cricket. We need experience against strong opponents such as South Africa, West Indies and England in the coming days. On the other hand, Amit has only just started coming through, and we want to give him opportunities gradually rather than suddenly putting him under intense pressure.”

Amite may yet be used as an opener. Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque are all left handed, and the management wants a right hander at the top. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was given several chances but never established himself.

Amite was first considered for number five or six, but with Litton and Jaker Ali in the squad, Bashar sees little room for him as a wicketkeeper batter. Selectors have instead discussed batting him at the top, which Bashar says is not an instruction.

“We are looking for a right-handed opener in the top order. All four of our first batters are left-handed, which is not ideal. We asked Amite, ‘Would you take this opportunity? Prove yourself by batting there.’”

Amite usually bats at number four or five, and Bashar has no doubts about his ability. Selectors believe his technique could suit the new ball, though the player’s agreement is vital before any change and the opener option remains under consideration.

Recent Test results explain the urgency. In Harare in June, Bangladesh were bowled out for 140 and made no more than 185 in the second innings, losing to Zimbabwe by an innings and 85 runs. A draw against Afghanistan has added to concerns over batting consistency.

Against Australia, Bangladesh began with a historic win in Darwin, posting 426 in the first innings through a century from Tanzid Hasan Tamim and 84 from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. In Mackay they managed just 159 across both innings and lost by an innings.

Bashar remains optimistic, pointing to good batting in every match apart from one Test in Australia, and he urged patience.

“Keep believing in this team. This team has played well. If we panic about this team, it will be difficult for them to bounce back. This happens to many teams when they go through a difficult period.”