Rubel: Pacers need to adjust length quickly

Bangladesh pacer Rubel Hossain informed that the pace bowlers have to adjust their line and length pretty quickly ahead of their first Test match against South Africa, starting Thursday at Senwes Park. The Tigers underwent their first training session Monday. Bangladesh squad consists five pace bowlers, including Rubel, Mustafizur Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Subashish Roy. “I have come here two times. It’s a beautiful country. We know pacers get help in South African conditions. It’s an ideal place for fast bowlers. So I believe if we, the pacers, can bowl in good areas with proper plan then we will get success,” Rubel said after the practice session in Potchefstroom.

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“We have to fix our length and line as these conditions are different. Because on bouncy wickets, if we bowl back of a length, compared to sub-continent wickets then it will become easier for the batsmen to play. So we have to readjust our line and length. The pacers are giving importance on that and practising in order to adjust with the conditions,” he added. None of the Bangladesh pace bowlers in the squad have visited South Africa with the national team so it’s a challenge for them to read the wicket and bowl accordingly. Rubel is the most senior bowler among the five with 24 Tests under his belt. Shafiul has played 10 Tests, Mustafizur six, Taskin four and Subashish three in their five-day careers so far.Tigers pace bowling coach Courtney Walsh has vast experience playing for the West Indies in South African conditions and the legendary fast bowler’s know-how and guidance will surely be needed for a relatively inexperienced pace bowling attack like Bangladesh’s. “We know Walsh is a legend. Obviously he is helping us with his great experience and knowledge. We also have a team plan. We are working as to how pacers can become more stronger and bowl longer spells,” said the 27-year old Rubel. “Walsh has a lot of experience in South Africa, having played a lot of matches here. So we are trying to acquire his knowledge regarding how to bowl in these conditions,” he explained. Rubel was unable to arrive with the team in South Africa due to visa complication.

Bangladesh team practice session at Potchefstroom today ahead of first Test against South Africa. pic.twitter.com/WxyZ1UMnty

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) September 25, 2017

As a result the right-arm pacer missed the practice match at Willowmoore Park in Benoni earlier this week. The paceman is confident of doing well in the two-Test series against the Proteas if he gets the chance in playing XI. “I am practising hard after reaching here. I am also working on fitness. The main key is to adjust to the condition quickly. As soon as possible I cope up with the condition, it will be better for me. And I am trying to do that,” he said. “I have played here for the U-19 team many years ago. Usually South African wickets have more bounce than New Zealand. The ball carries nicely to the keeper. I think as a pace bowler this wicket is much better than the New Zealand wickets,” he concluded.