“When I am out in the field, I only think of taking the opposition down. No matter how long I have to bowl. I will bowl 50 overs if I need to.” These exact words came from the mouth of the country’s latest pace sensation, Robiul Islam, after he had claimed his second five-wicket haul in the recently concluded Test series against Zimbabwe. The 110 overs that Robiul bowled in the series are the third most bowled by any pace bowler in a two-match series in the last decade. Robiul’s comment is no empty boast. His first-class record shows that he has bowled the small matter of 1,565.5 overs in just 57 matches, to go along with, what for many would have been a back-breaking load in the recent Tests in Zimbabwe. The paceman’s stamina is beyond question, and the pride he takes in it speaks to his potential for greater things yet. In Bangladesh, the weather is hot and humid and the pitches slow and low. In Zimbabwe, the weather was cool and pleasant and the pitches green and bouncy. Robiul, with his commitment for hard work, enjoyed bowling there and raised the bar of what is expected from Bangladesh’s quick-men. The right-arm quickie bagged 15 wickets, including two five-for’s, in the two-match Test series and led the Tigers bowling department – which is in a distressful state – from the front. His contribution also fetched him a well-deserved man of the series award. Robiul returned to national team after two years during the Sri Lankan tour last month because the frontline pacemen were injured. He claimed four wickets in his only match to hold his place for the Zimbabwe tour. In Zimbabwe, he took nine wickets after bowling 57 overs in the opening Test – but ended up on the losing side. The result may well have awakened painful memories for the young man, as his last match before his exile from the national side, Bangladesh had also suffered a heavy defeat to Zimbabwe. He came back in the second Test, hungrier than ever for wickets and more importantly, a win for the team. His 5-85 in the first innings steered Bangladesh’s ship through the waters of the match, and the team was finally able to land safely on the shores of a win.
Thursday, March 27, 2025
