‘Bangladesh will become invincible’
BCB’s technical director Khaled Mahmud discussed a lot of things ahead of the Tigers’ match against Zimbabwe. He talked about the whole series and his time with the team as well.
“A new year, a new series for us. And we have practiced in order to do well. I think we are ready for the challenge. We want to be the champions of this tournament.
“We had worked on some specific issues. We are well prepared. We have done our work on the concerning matters. The boys have supported me in everything, all are intent. We have done whatever we wanted. The first week [of the training camp], we worked on strength and condition. Then I worked with the pacers at that time. Our concern was about bowling with the new ball. Taking wickets in any matches is important. I have tried to tighten the bowlers’ line-length while working with them,” Khaled said.
The former Bangladeshi cricketer seems to understand the importance of pace bowling even though the Tigers are more comfortable with spin-attack. He said, “Spin is our strength. Pacers provide impetus to the game for us as well. We surely cannot play with five spinners. So, fast-bowling is important. We have variations in pace bowling. Expert Mashrafe will lead. All the bowlers are different. We have expectations from the pacers. Maybe our pace-attack has worked well sometimes. But if you talk about consistency, the fast-bowlers have not been up to the mark.”
Khaled Mahmud also talked about his plans with the batting line-up. He also disclosed some batting positions and said that Irul will be unavailable for tomorrow’s match.
“All are available for tomorrow’s match except for Imrul” Khaled revealed. “There is an advantage that we have to make a team out of 15 players, not 16; because Imrul is injured. I have always believed that it is good to reveal the team early. But I can’t for certain reasons. There remains issues regarding the strategies. But if the players know it a day before, it helps in their preparation.”
“Let me reveal the whole team then. Of course we are thinking of playing Mahmudullah at no. 5.
“We were concerned about it. Nobody could fit in at no. 3, we want someone to play regularly at that position. After much thinking, we believe someone experienced should play here. We have chosen Shakib to bat at that position. I think Shakib is aggressive, besides that we want someone who can adjust in accordance with the condition. We have decided that we will give Shakib enough time at no. 3,” he added.
The 46-year-old also talked about Abul Hasan and Anamul Haque. He stated, “Both of them have done well in the domestic cricuit. There was a concern about Raju’s fitness, but he is fit now. We are happy about his fitness. Bijoy is performing brilliantly for last two and a half years. He has done well in all formats. Their [Abul Hasan & Anamul Haque] performances have brought them in this team. I hope both will mount a fine comeback.”
Regarding his role Khaled said, “There is no pressure. I have faced more pressure than this. This is not stressful to me. I think I have a chance. The people I have worked with are all known to me. They are all helpful. I have spent 3 years with the team management. Among the players Mashrafe used to be my teammate once. So working with them is easy.
“It’s not like that. Cricket is being updated more now. Every team have skills, how you bring those into operation is what matters. Mashrafe has a strong zone; similarly, Mustafiz feels comfortable with cutter, especially in this format. Everybody has some dexterity. No matter how much Heath Streak knows, he hasn’t witnessed their improvement in the last two years. I think that we have worked on consistency. At this stage of cricket, you got to be flawless. You have to stay focused on every ball as well as mindset. So, what sort of ball will be bowled or what has to be applied on the field is the most important factor to me.”
Khaled Mahmud sees this series as an opportunity. According to him, the team will be unbeatable if the youngsters start performing well alongside the senior cricketers.
“I don’t know really. To me it’s an opportunity. When I took responsibilities of the team in 2003 it was a tough time for me. Back then there was work required to unite the team. I had a lot of responsibilities. Now it’s easier compared to that, because currently I am experienced. Although my experience in international cricket is not enough, I have the capability to take pressure after working in the last three or four BPL. I think it’s more challenging in BPL. In the national team you get qualified players who have been playing in the international stages with supremacy. To be honest, they are moving ahead. The way Tamim bats, his name has to come whenever you talk about some of the best batsmen in international cricket. I have worked with these cricketers when they were younger. So, this is easy for me. I don’t know how much have I done really. There was not much work required too. I did not work much with the seniors. They know their duties. If the youngsters also start performing, the team will become invincible” he concluded.
