'A deadly combination'
Zimbabwe coach Stephen Mangongo has described Bangladesh's three-man spin attack as a 'deadly combination' against which the visitors need to adapt quickly.
“It's a deadly combination. It can get wickets against any team in the world. It used to be just Shakib [Al Hasan], but now those two other guys, they are serious operators. We endeavour to improve and get better,” said Mangongo.
“We have got young spinners and we are going to be very patient with them. For spinners, it takes a long time to reach the top. Unless you are naturally gifted, which the Bangladesh bowlers appear to be,” he added.
When asked if the visitors have a chance to come back in the series Mangongo said, “It is going to be very difficult. The truth of the matter is that the Tigers at home can beat anyone if they play good cricket and we saw that in the first Test where their bowlers bowled very well and they won. We are still learning how to play in Bangladesh.”
The visitors will have a special focus on spin bowling during training in the next few days.
“The boys were disappointed, the coaches were disappointed. We didn't bat very well. We are a professional team. It is our job to improve and get better. Today, in the training, it showed that we are determined to improve. That's why we have come to training to rectify the mistakes,”
“The issue is that you need to have the skill as a batsman on how to play a turning ball. Right now, we are in the indoor school where the machine can be switched to the turning mode. Then you practice, until you get it right. Then in the ground, you simulate what you have learnt and cope with the spin,” said Mangongo.
The only positive for Zimbabwe in the first Test was the fine display put up by their pacers. Tinashe Panyangara scalped his first five-for in the first innings while Elton Chigumbura's four-wicket haul wrecked the hosts in the fourth innings.
“Our fast bowlers, I was very pleased with them. They bowled very well and I hope they continue their good work. But the fast bowlers are not going to win the game by themselves. They need the spinners to be able to come in,” said Mangongo.
But is such a major change possible in the next five days? Mangongo remained positive.
“Rome was not built in a day,” he quipped. “We will continue to learn and we will get better.”
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