Pothas heaps praise on ‘phenomenal’ Towhid

Nic Pothas, newly appointed Bangladesh assistant coach, is excited over the national team's prospect in Test format and the former South Africa batter heaped praise on rising star Towhid Hridoy.

"In your opinion, your guys are not doing as well as you'd like them to do in Tests. That wave will come again. Having seen their ability in the camp and away, there's no reason why we can't get better… We will ride the wave, but I have to take my time to know the players," Pothas, who had worked as the head coach of West Indies (2018-2019) and Sri Lanka (2017-2018), told reporters during a presser today.

Bangladesh will host Afghanistan in a lone Test from June 14. In 2019, the last time the two nations clashed in a red-ball battle, Afghan spinners had the Bangladesh batters exposed as the hosts suffered a 224-run loss in Chattogram.

"They have a top spin attack, so the challenge is exciting. The excitement is in solving the problem. We have to make sure we have solutions for what they bring," said Pothas.

Following the Test, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will go on to play white-ball series where batters like Towhid Hridoy will be keen to carry on impressing since his ODI debut against Ireland in March this year. Pothas considers the 22-year-old as a "phenomenal batsman" and reckons he has surpassed expectations.

"First and foremost, he is a fantastic kid. He has a high ceiling in terms of his skills.

"Not many people have come into international cricket and all of a sudden done what he has done.

"We expect these young cricketers to come in, and suddenly be world-beaters just like that. It is not possible. He (Towhid) has a lot of potential and a desire to learn. He has a high work ethic. I am excited for what he can do," said Pothas.