Bangladesh fast bowler Ebadot Hossain stressed the importance of starting preparations well before the match day in a bid to combat the extreme heat of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Bangladesh are now in Dubai to play a two-day warm-up match against the UAE as part of their preparation for the one-off Test against Afghanistan.
Abu Dhabi, however, will host the Test match. But the heat is more or less the same in every place in the UAE.
However, Ebadot said they are careful of tackling the heat since the dehydration caused by excessive sweating can lead to muscle cramps and make it difficult for pacers to maintain their intensity for long periods in hot conditions.
"My preparation is to stay hydrated, take more water, fluids, coconut water or fruits two days before the match," Ebadot shared in a video released by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
"In such heat, there is a lot of sweating. So if I am dehydrated during the match day, it can help maintain my bowling rhythm."
The fast bowler said adapting his body to the conditions is an important part of his match preparation, particularly before Test matches.
"You cannot bowl for a long time in the heat. It is actually a matter of preparation," he said. "So my match preparation starts two days in advance, especially for Test matches when condition is such unforgiving."
Ebadot also urged younger cricketers visiting the UAE to familiarize themselves with the local weather before arriving.
He said players from Bangladesh, including those representing the Under-19 and emerging teams, should learn about the temperature and humidity in advance so they can prepare accordingly.
"First know the conditions, how the humidity or how hot it is here," Ebadot said, noting that temperatures in the UAE can become extremely high during the summer months.
Ebadot said he follows an unusual practice that he believes helps him acclimatize quickly. On his first practice day, he walks barefoot on the ground for about an hour.
"What I do after coming here is, when I come on the first practice day, I stay barefoot with this ground for an hour," he said, adding, "The connection with the ground would help you adjust. I found it very helpful as the body
adapts to this weather quickly."
