Mahmud expecting pacers to contribute more

Bangladesh cricket team’s technical director Khaled Mahmud informed that their pace attack has recently worked on their shortcomings after under-performing in the past. The Tigers in all forms of cricket usually rely on their spin attack, led by all-rounder Shakib al Hasan. However, the men in red and green saw an increase in contributions from the pacers from mid-2015 onwards. But just when it was thought the time was ripe to shift the gear to the next level under West Indies legend Courtney Walsh as pace bowling coach, the Bangladesh department looked scattered. 2017 was the year when the Bangladesh pacers experienced the worst of times, despite playing in seamer-friendly conditions like New Zealand and South Africa. Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman was the most successful in the previous year with 16 wickets in six Tests, 14 in 11 ODIs and five wickets in four T20Is. With the start of a new year with the tri-nation ODI series, Mahmud informed that the coaching staff and the pacers have worked hard on the areas needed to bring the attack in shape. Bangladesh will start their tri-series campaign facing Zimbabwe at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka Monday. Bangladesh in their 15-member squad named five pacers for the tri-series is the shape of captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur, Abul Hasan and Saifuddin.

Bangladesh squad for Tri-Nation ODI Series 2018 between Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe has been announced. pic.twitter.com/2ZER38leCY

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) January 7, 2018

“Spin is our primary attack but the pacers have their role to play too. We cannot play with five spinners due to which the pacers are important in the playing XI. I believe we have variations in pace bowling with the experienced Mashrafe to lead the attack,” said Mahmud to the media in Mirpur Sunday. “We expect the pacers to contribute for the team. They might have done right in the small areas but they have not been consistent,” Mahmud, who is playing the unofficial role of Bangladesh head, added. Mahmud stated that the pacers have worked on variations like swing, bouncers and slower deliveries but believes it would have been wiser if these works were done early. “There is no question with the skills of the bowlers. But the most important thing is a bowler reacting as per the situation of the game. The condition now is a bit difficult. Bowling at night will be difficult because of the fog. So it will be crucial how we react to that situation. We bowl different lengths in the morning, which will need to change in the evening,” Mahmud explained.

Fixtures for Tri-Nation ODI series between Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. pic.twitter.com/kjiGHJWVz4

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) January 6, 2018

Mahmud taking charge of the team as the technical director to fill the head coach’s position was apparently not a “people’s choice”. The situation is almost similar to the situation when he took charge of the Bangladesh team as a captain back in 2003. The former Bangladesh cricketer is however, not concerned with the discussions taking place around him regarding his multiple roles in Bangladesh cricket, rather, he informed of enjoying his duty without hesitation. “I see this as an opportunity to work for the cricket of the country. It was a tough time when I took charge of the team in 2003. My job then was to keep the team together, which comparatively is easy now. I have gained experience over the years,” said Mahmud. “I am a board director when I am in the board room. I try to do a job I am given, it is a different thing if I am successful or not. I do not want to go into any controversy. I see coaching as my profession and I enjoy it. I started my coaching course within four months from my retirement in 2006. I have worked with teams starting from U-13 level. Now if I am a good coach or a bad one, people can decide that,” he added.