In terms of pace bowling, 2015 has been a revelation for Bangladesh. The statistics speak volumes for them. The pacers have taken more wickets than the slower bowlers in ODIs this year, a rarity when it comes to the Tigers. Bangladesh’s quicks have scalped 67 wickets in 15 matches, while their spinners took 41. Almost all of Bangladesh’s pacers have had their moments. Taskin Ahmed flew high in the World Cup and was the side’s leading wicket-taker. Rubel Hossain took 18 wickets this year, posting his best performance since 2011. Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, aside from having a marvelous influence on the team, bagged 17 wickets.
And to top it all, there was Mustafizur Rahman, who left even the most optimistic supporters on the edge of their seats. The left-armer, apart from being a revelation in the ODIs, marked his territory in Tests as well against South Africa.
His partner Mohammad Shahid, who had bowled six consecutive maidens against the Proteas, deserves special mention.
The pace attack today, save for Rubel and Mashrafe, seems to be dominated by the newbies. Their performance has compelled the selectors and the team management to shift their concentration from the tried and tested this year.
Robiul Islam, who once led Bangladesh’s pace attack hasn’t played a Test since the West Indies tour in September last year. Shafiul Islam, who was seemingly the selectors’ only hope prior to the India Test, was eventually ignored. Al-Amin Hossain witnessed a similar fate.
Today, these pacers find themselves facing an uphill task to reclaim a position that had been dominated by them for quite some time.
But the likes of Robiul and Al-Amin don’t mind the current scenario. The competition, according to them, would only make them stronger.
“A player’s motivation increases when there’s more competition. That’s the moment when a player thinks of working twice as hard on his variations and coming up with something that will help him in international cricket,” said Robiul, who is currently a member of a group called Players of National Interest (PONI), meant for those who are in contention for the national line-up.
Robiul, who has been facing various fitness issues, got injured during training last week and is currently working on a new action. He hopes that the upcoming domestic tournaments can change his fate again.
Al-Amin echoed his senior partner’s sentiments. “Having played for the national team for a while, it does feel bad when you are out. But I am trying to make the most of this feeling and work harder on my processes,” said the lanky pacer.
-With The Daily Star input
