‘Important to adapt and adjust’
Despite picking up a hattrick on ODI debut, Taijul Islam is yet to establish himself in the white-ball formats for Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh's second-leading wicket-taker will be looking to make an impact when he makes a comeback to the ODI side in the upcoming series against England. The 31-year-old opened up about his comeback, his plans for the England series and a few other topics during an exclusive interview with The Daily Star's Mazhar Uddin. The excerpts are below:
The Daily Star (DS): You have been in-and-out of the ODI side despite decent performances. After missing the last home series against India in December, you are making a comeback for the series against England. How do you feel about that?
Taijul Islam (TI): Regardless of what happened in the past, I think this is a very big opportunity for me since we have the ODI World Cup this year in the subcontinent. At the same time, I want to do well for my country in all the formats.
DS: Did you receive any instructions from the team management about your role in the 50-over format?
TI: No, not really. I have not received such instructions from the team management. But at the end of the day, performance is everything. So, I am looking forward to doing well for my team.
DS: Since you will be playing against the World Champions at home, what are the areas you want to exploit as a bowler?
TI: Some English players like Moeen Ali have just played in the BPL here and there are few others who are well aware of Bangladeshi pitches and conditions these days. I think they will make their preparations and it will be a big challenge for us. It won't be easy at all.
DS: Knowing that England play attacking cricket in white-ball formats, what should your strategy as a left-arm spinner be?
TI: Since there are three formats, you also need to adapt and adjust as a bowler. Not just with the white-ball, England play attacking cricket even in Tests nowadays. It will be important to observe their batters and plan according to the situation.
DS: Since spinners are expected to play vital roles against England, tell us about your bowling partnership with Shakib Al Hasan and Mehedi Hasan Miraz.
TI: Despite the fact that we will be playing at home, it is not a certainty that pitches will favour spinners. But regardless of the pitch, bowling partnerships are crucial to gaining the momentum. At times, my role in to contain runs and bowl dot balls while there are other times when I have the wicket-taking role. It all depends on the situation.
DS: Do you think your experience in the Test format will help you adapt to the shorter formats?
TI: Experience will certainly be a factor. But to be honest, I have played just 12 ODIs and picked up twenty wickets at a fairly good economy. There is no shortage of confidence. I am hopeful of performing for my country.
DS: How is it working with spin-bowling coach Rangana Herath?
TI: He was a champion left-arm spinner in world cricket and shares his vast knowledge and experiences with us all the time. Herath allows you to think about the game and helps you improve whichever area you are willing to work on with him. It's great to have someone like him around and it certainly motivates me a lot.
DS: How was the first day of the training camp under Chandika Hathurusingha?
TI: We had a meet and greet today (Tuesday), but we did not have a long discussion yet. Since we met after a while, we spoke about our families and other things.