Uncapped New Zealand leg-spinner Ish Sodhi could emerge as a surprise for Bangladesh in the first Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong today.
The Indian-born Sodhi, regarded as a highly talented leg-spinner despite his unremarkable first-class record, is a contender for the second spinner’s slot along with left-arm orthodox bowler Bruce Martin.
The 20-year-old, who was a part of the New Zealand Under-19 team that made the semi-finals at last year’s Junior World Cup in Australia, has taken 27 wickets in his 14 first-class appearances.
Former New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori, who tormented Bangladesh on many occasions, spoke highly of Sodhi after he was selected for the series following a good showing for the A team in its tour of India.
Vettori was particularly impressed with his variation, a key for any leg spinner to thrive in international cricket.
‘He’s probably one of the most talented bowlers I’ve ever seen,’ the New Zealand Herald quoted Vettori as saying last month. ‘His skill level is incredibly high. I think there’s something special about him.’
New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum indicated that the world might finally see what Sodhi possesses as they are considering him for the first Test, which will be played on a dry Chittagong surface.
‘To me [the wicket] looks pretty dry, so that suggests that we might play a second spinner, Sodhi as well,’ said McCullum.
‘He is an exceptional talent. Still very raw as a player, but I think he has got really good skills. Obviously if he gets a chance in the Test match the rest of the world will be able to see what he possesses.
‘But from our point of view we just want him to enjoy it if he does play and just relax and support him as much as possible and try and make his first Test a memorable one,’ said McCullum.
Sodhi’s presence in the team is a warning for Bangladesh, who are generally vulnerable against quality leg-spin bowling. Among the five most successful bowlers against Bangladesh, there are at least two leg spinners in Pakistani Danish Kaneria and Australian Stuart McGill.
Kaneria took 34 wickets in just five Tests against Bangladesh, while McGill had an even better success rate, having accumulated 33 scalps in four Tests. The statistics indicate Sodhi can be equally damaging if he has the same tricks that leg-spinners normally have.
Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim said that the Tigers are aware of the danger that Sodhi could pose and have already taken some preparation.
‘We have planned a lot, and practiced as well,’ Mushfiq said in his press conference. ‘We have faced leg-spinners a bit in the DPL, and we also have Marshall [Ayub] in the squad; we played him as well.
‘There is no requirement for extra preparation, but we just need the right mindset, that’s all,’ he added.
-With New Age input
