Taskin returns to where it all began

On this day a year ago Taskin Ahmed made his ODI debut and provided the evidence that he had got the talent to stay at the highest level by taking five wickets against a second-string Indian side at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

Since then the tall pacer has gradually established himself as a vital cog in Bangladesh's pace attack. His presence, alongside Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Rubel Hossain, made Bangladesh's bowling attack one of the most exciting in the last World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

A year on, Taskin is going to face India again at the same venue and the bowler himself yesterday said that he was very confident of performing well against a full-strength India side.

"What happened one year ago is now in the past. But that good memory will definitely inspire me and give me confidence, but the reality is that I have to make a fresh start against a full-strength India side," said Taskin.

The 20-year-old right-arm paceman apparently wants to cash in on his consistent 140kph speed to challenge the formidable Indian batting line-up.

"I try to learn from every match and I believe I am improving as a bowler every day. The most important improvement is that I can now consistently bowl at an average speed of 140kph. In addition, I am now trying to bowl as the match requires. I have a desire to bowl a winning spell in the series," said Taskin while talking to reporters after a training session ahead of tomorrow's first one-day international.

The conditions suited the pace bowlers in last year's series against India, but Taskin was expecting a sporting wicket this time around, like they had got against Pakistan.

"In the last series against Pakistan, the wicket was equally good for batsmen and bowlers and in recent times we are getting better wickets. Previously we emphasised on spin bowlers but now we play with two-three pacers and I think it's good for us," opined Taskin.

The young fast bowler said that while India were one of the best teams in the ODI format, Bangladesh still had a chance of doing something in the series if they could continue their good showings in this format.

"India are one of the best teams, especially their batting is fabulous in the subcontinent. So, we need to bowl in the right areas against them and give our best to get a result. I think we have a good chance in the series because we are also a good side. We are in good form and if we can be consistent in our performances then there is a good chance for us," said a confident Taskin.