Sohag Gazi got hit for a six by Chris Gayle in his first delivery in international cricket last November, but the determination that he staged to come back and win every battle in the series against the destructive West Indian made the 22-year-old an off-spinner Bangladesh were longing for a long time.
The off-spinner is set and excited to face another challenge in the upcoming home series against New Zealand and this time it will be another hard-hitter of the ball - Brendon McCullum.
“I didn’t plan anything with Gayle. The only thing I tried is to put the ball on my area and which will be the same even in the first Test against New Zealand,” said Sohag to the media at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium yesterday.
“I have seen video clips of McCullum and others and tried to find out their weaknesses. Don’t have any particular aim against him (McCullum) as because I don’t plan and go out to play. I intend to read the batsman once the game starts and then bowl to them,” explained the Barisal lad.
Since his debut he has bagged 26 wickets in six Tests. However, the first Test against the visitors from October 9 at ZACS will be the first game for Sohag in the port-city. Senior spinners of the team Abdur Razzak and Shakib al Hasan are helping Sohag with their experience, he informed.
“Both Razzak and Shakib bhai are experienced and have been playing for a long time with the national team. I had discussion with them and they advised me well. We spinners look forward to deliver on the right areas and the right channel and the rest, we will see in the game,” said Sohag.
Bangladesh and New Zealand played nine Tests between them and with eight wins and a draw the Kiwis are yet to be defeated by the Tigers. Putting the statistics aside Sohag rates the hosts as the favorites.
“We are playing in our condition. I believe we don’t have any kind of pressure on us except for that we won the ODI series against them at home three years ago. Hopefully, we will do the same this time too,” said Sohag.