New mindset, new Mehedi

Even from age-level days, Mehedi Hasan Miraz was rated highly for his ability to take responsibility despite being a young cricketer and it has continued to be a standout feature of his performances at the highest level.

Although the 20-year-old made his Test debut two years ago with a bang, Mehedi has had to struggle for his place in the fifty-over format until the West Indies tour in August where he was given a different role -- to restrict batsmen with the new ball.

Mehedi opened the bowling and managed to keep things tight for the Caribbean batsmen and that role continued in the Asia Cup in the UAE. Mehedi has picked up eight wickets in his last 10 games but it was his miserly economy rate, 3.93, which has been arguably more important for the Tigers.

Talking about his role in the limited-overs format as different from Test cricket -- where he is considered a wicket-taker -- Mehedi said that he is only focusing on restricting the batsmen in the one-dayers, which allows the others to pick wickets and ultimately help the team.

Mehedi informed that he has added a few variations in his bowling and that, along with his changed mentality, helped his bowling to improve immensely.

"I think my thinking has changed from the past as I am now mentally stronger and have also brought some variations to my bowling which worked well for me. Previously I used to bowl at a particular pace and the seam position was a bit different. Now I have changed the direction of the seam; now I bowl with a 90-degree angle while previously it was a 45-degree and I am mixing it up in my bowling," Mehedi told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

Much like the absence of champion all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has created complications in the bowling line-up, it also creates a big vacuum in the batting. The upcoming home series against Zimbabwe will be the platform for the youngster to take a leadership role and in that Mehedi, who opened the innings in the final of the Asia Cup against India, has set a good example.

"Shakib bhai is the best all-rounder in the world and whenever he plays I try to play the small roles to contribute for the side. I will try to fulfil my role in the Zimbabwe series," said Mehedi and added that he is more confident with his batting than in the past.