‘Having Shakib bhai gives our spinners added advantage’
Bangladesh spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz was glad to see the return of ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan to the side as the duo together picked up six wickets on day Two of Tigers' warm-up match in Zimbabwe today. Miraz was spoke of how new spin coach Rangana Herath was helping them with the mental aspects of the game.
Tigers bowled out Zimbabwe Select XI for 202 before the two-day warm-up match at Harare Sports Club Ground ended in an expected draw.
Shakib, having contributed with a team-high 74 runs off 56 deliveries on day One as the Tigers declared at 313 for 2, picked up three wickets with the ball, conceding 34 runs. While it is said that spinners have less impact on these conditions, Mehedi picked up three wickets too, going for 64 runs in 16 overs.
"The Spinners have bowled really well. Especially Shakib bhai started very well and got wickets. It felt good to be able to support Shakib bhai. It's a big advantage for the spinners that we got wickets and if we can pick up wickets or contain, it will be very good for the team," spinner Mehedi said.
Shakib came back to the Test side after sitting out the Sri Lanka Tests and got a chance to acclimatize to the conditions. Miraz was more than happy to have Shakib's counselling. "Obviously, when Shakib bhai is in the team, it gives our spinners an added advantage. I have always said that Shakib bhai always gives me tips when I am bowling. Even in today's match, he was giving me many instant tips like at what pace to bowl. I have tried to do as he suggested and I got success. Shakib bhai returning to the Test team is a plus point for us and his batting and bowling are both important to us."
The spinners are working with new spin coach Rangana Herath and Miraz dictated that the veteran's experience is working for them already.
"He has been sharing his experience with us and he was a very successful bowler. For the last three to four days, he has been working with us bowlers and have been talking to us individually. I think the technical and tactical work that he is putting us through, if we can develop them, it will be very good. The best thing about him is that he is mentally very strong and he also supports us mentally.
Ebadat Hossain and Taskin Ahmed picked up a wicket each while Shoriful Islam bagged two for 33 runs in 11 overs.
Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal, who did not bat in the first innings as he was recovering from a knee injury, was able to play out 30 deliveries for 18 runs on day two. Sadman Islam remained unbeaten on 4 as Bangladesh reached 22 without loss before the match ended in a draw.
Earlier on day One, after Shakib retired to give other batsmen some opportunity to bat, Mahmudullah Riyad remained unbeaten on 71-ball 40, laced with eight fours while Liton Das retired after a patient 82-ball 37 as Bangladesh declared at 313 for two.