Member of the national selection panel and former Bangladesh spinner Abdur Razzak is counting high on Bangladesh spinners despite the condition in Zimbabwe not expected to favour the slow bowlers. The Bangladesh Test squad attended their first practice session at Harare Sports Club [HSC] on Thursday since their arrival in the country the day before. The tourists were allowed into the training facilities after all members of the squad were tested Covid-19 negative.
With the lone Test match of the series set to begin on Wednesday behind closed doors at HSC the focus is fully now on the game.
Former star spinner Razzak said the condition will definitely be in favor of the pacers but the spinners have their share of the job to focus on. Bangladesh in the Test squad have option of four specialized spinners with likes of Shakib al Hasan, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
There is Mahmudullah too, who if selected in the playing eleven, can join the attack. Mahamudullah has made a comeback to the Bangladesh Test squad after a gap of 16 months as a backup to wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim. Mushfiq is recovering from a hairline fracture on his left-hand.
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“The pacers dominate here [in Zimbabwe] undoubtedly like the spinners dominate in Bangladesh or in the subcontinent. But having said that the spinner in condition like Zimbabwe have to play a good role such as in containing runs and get breakthrough if the pacers are found struggling,” said Razzak to the media on Thursday.
“I do not think it will be wise to have the mindset that spinners will or do not do well in Zimbabwe. It is better not to speak of this much. I don’t want the players to carry this thought to the field. A player needs to adjust to all kinds of conditions. The one who gets adapted quickly enhances the chances to become successful,” he added.
Razzak pressed that the newly appointed spin bowling consultant, former Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath, who is there to guide the Bangladesh spinners, and if needed he too can also join the force as an advisor.
@BCBtigers cricketer Mohammad Saifuddin from Feni in a post claimed that the courier service had broken two of his bats which he had sent to Rajshahi for repair, and that none from SA Paribahan is taking responsibility of the broken goodshttps://t.co/ZNEHXEO1LF
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“We now have Herath in the team [as spin bowling consultant]. He is vastly experienced and a big star when he was a player. Hope the spinners will get to learn from him a lot. I am there too [being a former left-arm spinner for Bangladesh] to help the bowlers if needed,” said Razzak.
Despite a vast difference in strength between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, Razzak emphasised that the hosts cannot be treated lightly. Explaining his point the former Bangladesh cricketer said, “Playing Zimbabwe at their home is challenging because of the condition. We do not play enough in these conditions. It is the same when they tour us [in Bangladesh]. We cannot treat them the way we treat them at our home as doing that we will make it difficult for ourselves. They have enough quality to make a quick comeback playing in their conditions. But at the moment Bangladesh is better as a team so we are looking forward to the game.”
Also Read: Tigers reach Zimbabwe for month-long tour
Razzak was announced as the third member of the BCB national selection panel in January this year and the tour of Zimbabwe is his first assignment since the appointment.
Newly appointed Bangladesh spin bowling consultant Rangana Herath [L] guides Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam during practice session at Harare Sports Club on Thursday
“It is of course a different experience for me. It has been my first day here with the team as an official whereas previously I had come [to Zimbabwe] as a player so the job description has changed. I like the cricket atmosphere in Zimbabwe, the weather is beautiful for playing cricket. The wicket is a bit difficult especially for the spinners. Facilities-wise you have to compromise a bit, but other than that, the condition here is very good for cricket,” said Razzak.
