‘Hot’ Sears knows how to stay ‘cool’

Teams from outside the subcontinent have always faced issues touring Bangladesh, or any other neighbouring countries. Coupled with the challenge of making plans and getting used to playing a totally different type of cricket on typical slow, low and turning pitches, often the players would also have to struggle to acclimatise with the hot and humid conditions.

The Dhaka heat is also taking a toll on New Zealand players and young pacer Ben Sears said he had never experienced 'being that hot' during practice sessions.

"It is really hot. It is the first time in training that I have experienced being that hot," the 23-year-old Wellington quick said yesterday ahead of the Kiwis' five-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin tomorrow.

Excruciating heat in the capital made the Aussies suffer a lot during their 4-1 thumping against Bangladesh in the T20I series earlier this month. Especially the fast bowlers, who need to preserve their energy in order to generate pace and bounce, have suffered bowling on slow Mirpur wickets amid such hot and humid conditions.

Like the Aussies, Sears also felt like he had come to a 'different world' altogether.

"It is really different. Not like home. It is eye-opening. It feels like a different world," the pacer said.

Sears, however, had found a way to stay 'cool'.

"Just getting used to that, learning how to bowl when you are feeling uncomfortable. It was interesting. But if you stay hydrated, it's cool," added Sears.

Sears, who is known for hitting speeds over 140kph, also realised that bowling quick in such conditions might not be the way to go. Even Mitchell Starc, one of the quickest bowlers around, was dropped for the final three T20Is by Australia after the left-arm pacer conceded runs at economy rates of 8.25 and 9.33 in the first two games against the Tigers.

"You try to bowl fast but the wickets are different. You need to be smarter with it. The fast ones in the nets sometimes feel like the one that might get smashed. It is just picking and choosing when to bowl what, and maintaining variety. Bowling off cutters are helpful," Sears said.

After being called up for the first time in the Kiwi side for any tour, Sears is hoping to earn his first cap for New Zealand in the series and according to the young pacer, achieving that would be 'pretty wild'.

"It would be awesome. I think it is a bit of a weird tour. I am probably the 15th bowler in the country picked for it, because everyone is out. It is, however, an awesome opportunity to come over here. It is pretty wild."