Having learned a few tricks from Sylhet Sixers mentor Waqar Younis, recalled Bangladesh pacer Abul Hasan (L) now has the chance to learn even more from national pace bowling coach Courtney Walsh. Photo: Star

Abul Hasan, primarily a pace bowler, burst onto the international stage when he became the first number 10 to score a century on Test debut in 110 years. He achieved the feat against West Indies in Khulna in November 2012, even before he took the new ball.

Since making his ODI debut in 2012, the pacer has managed to play just six wicketless matches and has had to deal with injuries throughout his short career. He played his last ODI against Pakistan in 2015 and the last of three Test matches -- which yielded three wickets -- in 2013.

The 25-year-old -- the only surprise in the 16-member Bangladesh squad for the upcoming tri-series -- earned his comeback in the side through his performances in the 2017 Bangladesh Premier League which ended last month.

The right-arm pacer bagged 10 wickets in as many games for Sylhet Sixers but it was mainly his variations and ability to undo batsmen with his slower deliveries that caught the eyes of the selectors.

According to Hasan, he has improved his line and length and developed a few other pace-bowling tricks, including reverse swing, from Pakistan fast bowling legend and Sylhet Sixers mentor Waqar Younis.

"The BPL was a big factor for me to reach this stage. Waqar bhai was there and I had the belief that I can improve my bowling skills by working with him. I have worked on reverse swing with Waqar bhai, along with slower deliveries. I was able to prove myself, which is the biggest thing and I am confident," Hasan told reporters during a break from the centre wicket training session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

Although Hasan is not an express bowler, which is one of the main attributes for reverse swing, according to the pacer, physical strength is the main thing that he has been working on and said that Waqar has asked him only to maintain what he is doing and also work on his bowling grip.

It will be a huge task for Hasan, who was picked ahead of two BPL performers in Abu Jayed and Abu Hider, and there will be a lot to prove if he wants to have an extended run in the team this time.