Given that the conditions and pitches in Australia and New Zealand will be conducive for fast bowling, both Al Amin Hossain and Taskin Ahmed, one-half of the Bangladesh pace contingent, have targeted fruitful contributions in the 2015 ICC World Cup.
For both Al Amin and Taskin, the 50-over World Cup will be their maiden appearance in the biggest cricket competition. However, it is unlikely that both will play in the XI. The Tigers’ combination is likely to feature three seamers despite the advantageous conditions. The team management would rather play Soumya Sarkar to have the option of an extra batsman. With Mashrafe bin Mortaza leading the side, it is likely that one among Al Amin or Taskin will be included. Although both are looking to create an impact, their targets will be a bit different.
For Taskin, the World Cup will present him the opportunity of doing “something special”. The right-arm paceman also added that he will try his best to be one of the top 10 wicket-takers.
“My dream is to do ‘something special’ in the World Cup,” said Taskin yesterday. “Taking wickets is a matter of luck. Sometimes, a bowler does not pick up wickets despite bowling well. I will try to be in the top 10 wicket-takers’ list.”
Taskin also said he will cash in on the experience of visiting Australia three years ago for the ICC Under-19 World Cup.
“I have a little bit of experience of the conditions. I played the U-19 World Cup for Bangladesh. From that experience, I can say, it will be tough for batsmen to play a bowler if the bowler maintains line and length,” said Taskin.
The 19-year old cricketer made a flying start to his international career recording bowling figures of 5-28 against India on his debut in June last year.
Al Amin on the other hand informed that he will looking to regain his touch and confidence.
“Last year I played well. But, l could not perform well in one match during the home series against Zimbabwe,” said the 25-year old cricketer.
Al Amin was having a great 2014 until his bowling action was termed illegal by the International Cricket Council after Bangladesh’s first Test against the West Indies in August last year.
Following the hiccup, the Jhenaidah lad remodeled his bowling action and returned to the national fold. The unexpected interruption in his flow might have disrupted his rhythm but Al Amin is thinking otherwise.
“Actually, I was injured at that time. My fitness was not upto the mark. My examination was going on. So, my performance suffered a slight blip,” explained Al Amin.
Al Amin also revealed his goal.
“My target is to take 12 to 15 wickets from six matches.”
Al Amin concluded by saying his chances of bagging wickets will be boosted after recent work on certain areas while for Taskin, it will be simple. Trouble the opposition batsmen with sheer pace. Taskin though said he will also keep a close eye on his line and length.