AFGHANISTAN TOUR OF BANGLADESH 2019

Shakib desperate to bring back normalcy to Bangladesh cricket

by Atif Azam • Published on

Shakib Al Hasan's bowling responsibilities likely to dissuade him from moving up to No.3 © Getty

Shakib Al Hasan is desperate to bring back normalcy to Bangladesh's cricket with a win over Afghanistan after a month of turbulence post the World Cup. The hosts have been short-changed for success at the international level, having lost each of their last series in the Test (versus New Zealand) and T20 formats besides a lukewarm performance at the World Cup.

Their only moment in the cricketing sun, if it can be called that, was brought by the Under-19 team, who reached the final of a tri-nation in England at the expense of the hosts before losing to eventual winner India on the all-important day.

Shakib, who is front runner to lead the side across formats after the departure of Mashrafe Mortaza, is aware of the current state of cricket in the country and insists that it is an added motivation for his team to earn a win against Afghanistan in the one-off Test, scheduled to begin at Chittagong's Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium from September 5.

"Winning this match is very important," Shakib said. "As I am seeing it because we did not have a good period overall for some time now whether it is with the A team, academy team- we could not perform very well except the under-19s. So from that perspective, if we win this match, I think the situation will start looking normal again. Doesn't matter [if we win] in a good way or bad way. Its same if it's 10 or 100 runs win but winning is most important," he said.

The hosts will take on Afghanistan with their tried and tasted formula of playing a four-pronged spin attack at home, one that has reaped dividends with three wins out of four in Tests against Zimbabwe and West Indies at home in 2018.

The strategy, despite its success, has drawn flak from home as it doesn't provide opportunity to groom fast bowlers but Shakib said he didn't pay heed to the noise outside the dressing room.

"I personally don't feel bothered [about the criticism]," said Shakib. "When we play in England and Australia, they play four seamers and no spinner. Do we criticize about that? So I don't think there is anything to be worried about this. I don't think about these matters at all. We will try to win this match, and for that if we have to play two or three semears we will, or if we have to play with one, we will. We will try to stick with the plan and work according to that.

"We have bowled well at home. Whenever our spinners got their chance and got their preferred wicket-they played well. My whole bowling attack will try to get 20 wickets, otherwise there is no chance. There ones, who will play, will try to get 20 wickets as early as possible. And batsmen will try to score as many runs as possible. That's why I said, our target is to do the basic works perfectly," he said.

Shakib added that batsmen will have to take the responsibility as he believes they will be the ones to make the difference given Afghanistan's own spin strength. "There will always be some challenge for the batsmen to perform because their fast bowlers are good too and spinners are so well. So a big challenge is waiting for our batsmen. But I have faith on my batsmen. The level of preparation we have taken in past two weeks; I don't think we should work more than that. Everyone has given their best. Now we can feel proud if we can show that in the field," he said.

Shakib also clarified that it is unlikely he'll move up to No.3 in the batting order as he had done in the ODI format, citing his increased bowling responsibilities. "Normally we have to bowl a lot in our country or sub-continent. It's hard to bat top order after bowling for so long. If there is any chance that I bowl less, then I may bat from the top order," said Shakib.

"Last time when we played in West Indies, I batted at four. But it's tough to bat at three or four after bowling 25-30 overs. Focus is very important in Test for a batsman. You have to be in fresh-mind to hold your focus. So I think batting a little down is better for me," he concluded.

© Cricbuzz

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