Following a memorable international debut in the first Test in Dhaka in the ongoing three-match series against Zimbabwe, the Tigers faithful were waiting for better things from 19-year old leg-spinner Jubair Hossain. Little did they know that Jubair, or Likhon, would eventually deliver, and that too in the third and final Test at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
The young leggie bagged his maiden five-wicket haul in just his third Test to bring Bangladesh back into the game. That Bangladesh find themselves in the driving seat going into the penultimate day’s play of the third and final Test today is down to Jubair who once again displayed an encouraging performance which belied his tender age of 19.
And just like any other humble Bangladesh cricketer, Jubair too thanked his family after grabbing a five-for.
“I am feeling great by the grace of Allah. It is my first five-wicket haul in international cricket. My parents and brother are here so that made me happier. The last time they came to the ground, I did not do well. But today (yesterday) I did well so they are happy,” said an elated Jubair in the post-day conference yesterday.
Jubair acknowledged the advice provided by skipper Mushfiqur Rahim during several of his spells.
“I sometimes talk with the captain. But since he stands behind the wicket, he has a better idea. I try to do as he tells me and today (yesterday) I was successful. When I was bowling to [Elton] Chigumbura, he told me to make him drive and against [Brendan] Taylor, he asked me to flight the ball.
“I had dismissed Brendan Taylor before so I was trying to do the same thing. He tends to drive the ball when there is a bit of flight. Chigumbura too drives a lot. In his case too, I was trying to catch him on the drive,” he added.
With a cool head on his shoulders, the Jamalpur lad goes about his business with the utmost nonchalance. However, even a confident youngster like Jubair faced some jitters when he was on the brink of picking up his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests. The right-arm leggie though brushed aside the nerves, owing to the suggestions provided by senior cricketers like Shakib al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal.
“The captain and seniors like Shakib bhai and Tamim bhai give me advice. They always tell me to be patient, not to think about taking wickets and bowl in the right areas. I lost my focus after taking four wickets today (yesterday). Mushfiqur bhai though told me that if I bowl well, I will pick up the wicket,” said Jubair.
And he duly did. Now for bigger things.