Hathurusinghe lauds ‘skilled strategy’ by Bangladesh quicks
Bangladesh’s quick bowlers confirmed maturity in the course of the one-off Test in opposition to Afghanistan, one thing that impressed head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe. The tempo trio completed with their best match haul as the house facet beat Afghanistan by 546 runs. It was a big win, notably on the Shere Bangla National Stadium, considered Bangladesh’s spin stronghold.
During his first stint, Hathurusinghe zeroed in on the spin technique at house, which resulted in Test wins in opposition to England and Australia. It, nonetheless, made tempo bowling virtually redundant. Even after his exit, the house technique was to deal with spin till slowly, the quick bowlers’ progressive white-ball performances and the Mount Maunganui Test win influenced the staff administration.
Hathurusinghe, who joined in February this 12 months, mentioned that the quick bowlers confirmed maturity of their assault plan in opposition to the Afghanistan batters. He mentioned that their use of the bouncers was sensible, and confirmed that they understood their opposition.
“Previously our strength was spin,” Hathurusinghe mentioned. “Now we have options to explore the other way, using the fast bowlers and win matches depending on the opposition. It was pleasing to see them not get carried away on the fast, bouncy wicket. The way the bowled was so good. It was a very professional approach. They didn’t use the bouncer for the sake of using it. They bowled mostly on the front foot. Those little things show the maturity of fast bowlers. They have come a long way. I am very pleased.”
Hathurusinghe mentioned that they may use quick or spin bowling at house relying on the energy of the opposition. “We will decide the best way that we can win the game. We are blessed with spinners and fast bowlers, which is a really good situation as a coach and for the team. Bangladesh cricket is a healthy place at the moment,” he mentioned.
Hathurusinghe mentioned that the brand new opening pair of Zakir Hasan and Mahmudul Hasan Joy additionally impressed him. They had been put collectively within the final minute after Tamim Iqbal pulled out attributable to a again harm. Zakir and Joy scored a fifty every, though every of them additionally acquired out early in at the least one innings.
“I was very impressed actually. I was seeing Zakir bat for the first time. You know that he got injured after that India game. So he had a really good start to his Test career. He is good against pace and spin. Very rarely are openers good against both.
“Joy confirmed good temperament the way in which he batted. His report additionally says that if he will get a begin, he goes large. I’m additionally more than happy that Mominul coming into runs as properly.”
Hathurusinghe added that he is ready to give a longer rope to Zakir and Joy as he believes they are ready for the highest level.
“Definitely these two guys (Joy and Zakir) will get a long term. They have accomplished properly. Zakir has performed three matches, scoring 100 and two fifties. Joy has an enormous hundred and fifty away, and right here as properly. They can play at this stage.”
Bangladesh have also scored at an unusually high tempo in their last two Tests. They went at 4.58 to score 369 runs against Ireland in April but in this Afghanistan Test, they batted at 4.44 and 5.31 in the respective innings. Their 425 for 5 declared in 80 overs in particular was eye-catching. Hathurusinghe said Bangladesh would bat the same way if such conditions and opportunities arrived again.
“If the circumstances helps us, we will certainly do this. That’s how we educated. That’s how we gave them freedom to attain runs. Name of the sport is scoring runs. If the situation is troublesome we shall be sensible sufficient to bat the way in which the situation permits us to bat.
“In the same way, we must give credit to Shanto. How he batted in that Test two innings. Especially the first two hours, him and Joy, the way they batted, calmed the nerves of everybody in the dressing room,” he mentioned.
Hathurusinghe additionally hailed the staff’s preparation and execution, particularly how properly the Mirpur curator Gamini Silva had managed to vary his technique of getting ready the pitch.
“I put on social media that it is more than a Test win. What I meant was that the way we prepared for this game, we haven’t done before. Everything. We prepared a fast and green wicket. So I thought it was a big win for us, to play on that type of wicket and then come out with flying colors. It is a big mental barrier that we broke.
“Before the sport, I felt lots of people had doubt about the way in which we are going to go. So the curator Gamini (Silva) will get credit score for getting ready that sort of wicket. I believe it is greater than a Test win. New heroes emerged from the win.”
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84