Bangladesh are making full use of a rare extended preparation window ahead of their upcoming home series against New Zealand, according to Cricket Operations In-Charge Shahriar Nafees.
The Black Caps are scheduled to arrive on April 13 to play three One Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals, with the hosts already deep into an intensive training programme designed to sharpen fitness and skills.
In a significant boost to preparations, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has also introduced a spin bowling machine for the first time, marking a step forward in adopting modern training technology.
The machine was used during the national team’s skill camp at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, aiming to enhance batsmen’s ability to tackle quality spin ahead of the New Zealand series.
“Normally we don’t get that much time to prepare ahead of an international series, but this time it’s different. We have got an extended window, which is quite helpful for the players to work on their fitness, skills and other necessary aspects,” Nafees told reporters.
He described the camp as intensive and well-structured. “The volume and itinerary of practice have been very rich. I think players are strongly prepared for the New Zealand series,” he said.
Despite challenging weather conditions, the players have shown commitment throughout the sessions. “Initially, our sessions were focused only on fitness and fielding, but now skill work, fitness and fielding are all being covered. The players have been putting in strong effort despite the heat,” he added.
Nafees also clarified the role of newly appointed spin bowling coach Mohammad Rafique, saying he will work across multiple squads rather than being assigned to a specific team. “He has vast experience and the BCB is keen to utilize it for the development of the country’s spinners,” he noted.
The newly procured machine, called Merlyn by Bola, is capable of delivering off-spin, leg-spin and arm balls with adjustable length and pace. It can operate both manually and automatically, delivering 25 to 30 balls in a sequence in automatic mode.
Purchased at an estimated cost of £10,000 (around Tk 1.6 million) and transported by sea due to its heavy weight, the machine is expected to add a new dimension to training and significantly strengthen Bangladesh’s batting against spin in the years ahead.
