Bangladesh spin-bowling all-rounders Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah Riyad said that they were looking forward to sharing the experience of former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who joined the Tigers training camp as a specialist spin bowling coach yesterday.
The former Pakistan off-spinner, who arrived on Tuesday, had his first session with the Bangladeshi spinners at Mirpur yesterday.
“Of course we will be benefited and it’s an advantage that he came from the subcontinent, so it would not be tough for him to make an adjustment. He was a great off-spinner, so it would be great for us if we can share his experiences to improve our bowling,” opined Shakib.
“He had some exceptional deliveries. If he can teach those tricks and we can learn from him then I am sure our bowling will be much stronger,” he said adding that the short-term appointment is not a big factor because he believes everything depends on how much one can take from someone.
Shakib also said that he will discuss his own bowling with the former Pakistan off-spinner.
“I have some concern over my own bowling and I am looking forward to sharing those with him and draw a plan about my bowling. He will certainly be helpful but you must admit that everyone cannot be benefited from him equally,” said Shakib.
“Today he was introduced to us and took some video footage of our bowling action as he informed us that he would work with it in the coming months,” informed Riyad.
“He talked with me regarding how I can get more turn by changing my grips and how I can release the ball to make my bowling more effective. We all know what sort of a bowler he was. He was one of the best spinners ever produced in the game, so I want to take as much help as possible from him during his stint,” said Riyad.
The Bangladesh vice-captain also said that he will try to learn the craft of the ‘Doosra’, the special delivery the Pakistani spinner invented during his playing time.
“Of course I would like to know about the Doosra. We would like to share his experience, especially how one can keep his cool during times of pressure. He was discussing about what kind of pressure they had faced during India-Pakistan matches,” said Riyad.
-With The Daily Star input
