Banned off spinner Sohag Gazi will be travelling to Khulna to work closely with Bangladesh spin bowling coach Ruwan Kalpage. The Bangladesh Cricket Board earlier opted to send Gazi to Malaysia to work with former fielding coach of Bangladesh Mohammad Salahuddin, but busy schedule of the latter saw the board alter their decision.
“Most probably I will be travelling to Khulna on Tuesday to work under Kalpage who is with the national team at the moment. I will start for Khulna once the hartals (strike) end,” Gazi told Dhaka Tribune yesterday.
The 23-year-old, who was banned by the International Cricket Council for an illegal bowling action after his arm was found to have extended above the 15-degree limit after appearing in a bowling action test in the UK. He said, “If I can work for a month properly and work on my foot landing which is the main problem I am sure I can return to cricket very soon.”
Gazi was seen having a lengthy conversation with Kalpage on October 29, during the national side’s practice session in Mirpur, where the former Sri Lankan spinner chalked out a schedule for Gazi’s remedial work while tips from veteran spinner Abdur Razzak, who also faced a similar situation before, also helped.
“I am gathering mental strength and willing to work hard to make a return. Sometimes it is frustrating to see my team playing a Test series at home and I really miss the dressing room. But this is life and I am very happy to see young spinners like Taijul [Islam] and Jubair [Hossain] along with experienced Shakib [al Hasan] guiding the side to a Test win,” said Gazi.
