'None better than Jubair'

For the first time since the Zimbabwe series last year, Bangladesh's bowling seemed to rediscover its panache.

The combination of Shakib Al Hasan and Jubair Hossain bowled 16.2 overs in tandem, in two spells, and finished with figures of 5 for 84 before rain stopped play on the third day of the one-off Test yesterday.

And these figures were posted despite the fact that both bowlers are on a comeback trail.

While Shakib gracefully flighted the deliveries, Jubair's googly was hard to read; it was like watching a 'tag-team' wrestling match with each bowler taking their turn. The pair approached with an attacking intent which is rare for Bangladesh in Test cricket.

That is perhaps because players like Jubair, a rare aggressive leg-spinner, remain underrated and underutilised in domestic circuit.

In fact, had it not been for a special recommendation from the coach, the selectors would have ignored him for this series.

"It's difficult for Jubair. If he doesn't get a chance to play in the Bangladesh Cricket League and the Bangladesh Premier League it will be bad both for him and the national team.

"I feel that those who are watching and observing should do something about it. He can be someone who can take 300 to 400 wickets for our country," Shakib said after yesterday's play.

Describing the leg-spinner as an asset to Bangladesh cricket, Shakib said, "It's not his fault if he was a bit inconsistent. Firstly, he is a leg-spinner. On top of that he isn't selected in domestic leagues. And then he is asked to bowl against a tough opposition. It's bound to be difficult," said the left-armer.

When certain domestic coaches were asked about Jubair's exclusion earlier this year, some of them pointed out that Jubair's accuracy was just thirty percent and that he bowled bad spells in the nets. Shakib, however, criticised their reasoning.

"In the nets, you will find many players who might seem like Sachin Tendulkar or Rubel Hossain. What matters is who performs during matches. You can't judge someone without giving them an opportunity.

"We will be playing most of our matches in our country and for pitches like these I don't think there's a better bowler than Jubair," said Shakib.