LAHORE: As Pakistan gears up for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh with a pace-heavy bowling line-up, the visitors are emphasizing the importance of spinners.
To enhance the performance of spinners like Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, Bangladesh has enlisted former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed as their spin-bowling coach.
In contrast, Pakistan’s squad includes only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, with batting all-rounder Salman Ali Agha serving as the second option.
“Spinners play a crucial role in Test cricket,” said Mushtaq on Thursday during a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, where Bangladesh will train until Saturday before heading to Rawalpindi, the venue for the first Test starting on August 21. “Spinners are essential to give fast bowlers rest, and it’s vital to support match-winning spinners,” added the experienced coach.
Bangladesh is determined to maximize the potential of their spinners during the series, but their final selection will depend on the conditions.
“We will assess the conditions in Rawalpindi and plan accordingly,” Mushtaq noted. “Our combination will be determined after inspecting the pitch at the Pindi Stadium.”
If the conditions do not favor spinners, Mushtaq assured that Bangladesh’s fast bowlers, including Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Shoriful Islam, have shown significant improvement and are ready to perform.
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“Bangladesh has good fast bowlers who need to have confidence in themselves,” Mushtaq stated. “Our belief should be strong, and it’s important to instill confidence in the players.”
Pakistan, with only one specialist spinner in their squad, has not considered adding a spin-bowling coach to their support staff, which is led by head coach Jason Gillespie, a former Australian fast bowler.
Mushtaq suggested that Pakistan could benefit from utilizing local spin-bowling experts.
“Pakistan has good spinners and should have a spin consultant,” he advised. “Utilizing experts like Saqlain Mushtaq, Abdul Rehman, and Saeed Ajmal at the grassroots level can be beneficial.”
Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Bangladesh team will have another practice session at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday before leaving for Rawalpindi.
Kashif Abbasi from Rawalpindi adds:
Meanwhile, at Pakistan’s preparatory camp at the first Test’s venue, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed expressed confidence that fast bowler-friendly pitches wouldn’t deter him from playing his attacking style. Known for his “mystery spin,” Abrar made a significant impact by taking seven wickets in the first innings against England on his debut in 2022.
“My objective is to consistently bowl on line and length, regardless of the wicket,” he said during a press conference on Thursday. “I’ve had experience playing on green pitches in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.”
Although Abrar might not feature in Pakistan’s line-up for the first Test, with reports suggesting the hosts will opt for four fast bowlers, he remains focused.
“Even when I’m not playing, I learn by observing the other players,” he said. “My goal is to become the team’s main spinner, and I’ll strive to achieve it through hard work.
“My role is to focus on improving my bowling and working hard daily.”