Tigers’ are gearing up for the three-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Fast bowlers can play a key role in the upcoming Lankan tour. In an interview with a national daily yesterday, Bangladesh pace bowling coach Ottis Gibson expressed his views about the current situation of Bangladesh fast bowlers. He also discussed the idea of bringing back left arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman in the Test squad. The Fizz is currently not in the list of BCB’s red-ball contract.
After a long break, how are the pacers doing?
Ottis Gibson: Yes, it was a long break. But I was in regular contact with the players and kept their fitness program running. When I realized they were fit enough, I gave them some skill work. The medical department has also taken care of them regularly. The BCB made a very good program for the bowlers. We have been able to supervise them very well. Of course, getting their match fitness back is a key but for that the camp has to start.
Why selectors are considering Mustafiz for Tests again?
Gibson: Obviously, Mustafiz is a quality bowler and he is left-handed. Therefore, he gives us more option and variety (since the rest of the pacers are right-handed). So, we are thinking of using his skills in Test cricket. I am working to enhance his skill so that he can get the ball back into the right-handers, which is very important in Tests. He has also shown interest. He is a standard white-ball bowler. We also want to him to become a quality Test bowler.
How far has he improved regarding his ability to swing the ball into right handers?
Gibson: I spent very little time with him in the Zimbabwe series. He didn’t play in the Zimbabwe Test series, but he was kept with the team so I could monitor him closely. He has shown potential to swing the ball back into the right handers. During the ODI in Sylhet, he should have had an LBW wicket as the ball swung back into the right hander. However, he did not appeal. I think he lacked belief that he could swing the ball back in but the ball did swung back in. So, this is the reason why we want him back in the Test roster.
Sri Lankan selectors have told the media that they are going to make pace-friendly wickets for Bangladesh. What is your take on that?
Gibson: We don't really know what they are planning to do. We should be ready for any condition. If we can take 4, 5 or 6 quality pacers in a squad of 20 people and if they make pace-friendly wickets, I
hope our bowlers will grasp that opportunity.