As Heath Streak began his stint as the new bowling coach of the Tigers in the one-day international series at home against India, many were wondering how the Bangladesh bowlers would fare under the tutelage of the former Zimbabwean captain. To his credit, the Bangladeshi pacemen bowled commendably in the first and second ODIs and although the home side suffered defeats in both the games, Streak expressed his satisfaction with the display of his charges.
“From a bowling perspective, I’m very excited. There seems to be some really good young prospects. I think if we can get them the support they need and keep them fit, the future for Bangladesh cricket from a bowling perspective is very bright,” Streak told the media at Mirpur yesterday.
The 40-year old Zimbabwean, a former fast bowler himself, praised young pace bowler Taskin Ahmed after his brilliant debut on Tuesday when he scalped 5/28 in eight overs to become the first Bangladeshi cricketer to pick up a five-wicket haul on debut in ODIs.
“Obviously very happy with Taskin [Ahmed]. He is someone who we know has got some potential so we need to look after him and keep him because I think people like him are good,” said Streak. “Al-Amin [Hossain] is another good prospect. Obviously we’ve got the old guys like Mashrafe [Mortaza] who is doing well but coming towards the back end of their careers and then other guys I’ve looked at, I think, Rubel Hossain, he’s still got a lot to offer Bangladesh cricket,” he added.