NEWS
Follow UsThere is a lot of spotlight on the pitch in Rawalpindi. After two consecutive series defeats at home on flatter decks — against Australia and England — the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly prepared a bowling-friendly track at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for the first Test against Bangladesh, starting on Wednesday (August 21).
Pakistan have already announced their XI, going in without a specialist spinner at home for the first time in the 21st century. Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, however, is excited to see how the Bangladesh seamers fare in conditions conducive to fast bowling.
"The Rawalpindi pitch looks more favourable for fast bowling and batting," Hathurusinghe said.
"They also didn't pick any spinners. Lately, we have developed a lot of good fast bowlers in our ranks as well. If the condition favours, they will do well,” the head coach showed confidence in his pacers.
Hathurusinghe stressed on the improvement of Bangladesh’s fast bowling stocks. "The fast bowlers did well in the [T20] World Cup, where they had favourable conditions. It hasn't happened overnight. It developed in the last two years. They have not played 20 Tests altogether, so they are young fast bowlers compared to the Pakistan attack. I am really excited to see how they continue," Hathurusinghe said.
Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Khaled Ahmed and Taskin Ahmed are the pacers in Bangladesh's squad. However, Taskin will be available only for the second Test.
“Shakib Al Hasan and [Mehidy Hasan] Miraz are two world-class allrounders. We have all our bases covered for whatever they throw at us,” he said, mentioning Bangladesh’s spin-bowling options.
Hathurusinghe admitted that batting has been a concern, but largely because of the wickets they play on. "Batting has been a concern for a while, but not for one reason. We play in result-oriented wickets back home. Sometimes 250 is a winning score in those pitches.
“Obviously, when you play on these pitches, the batters have a tough time. I hope the pitches in Pakistan generally favour batting. It is a good contest between bat and ball. We will show better results on these pitches,” he answered, hoping for an improved performance.
The former Sri Lankan cricketer started his term as Bangladesh’s head coach in February 2023 and is contracted until the Champions Trophy 2025. With the political unrest in Bangladesh, there is a sense of uncertainty around the existing contract and whether it will be extended. Hathurusinghe, however, is keen to stay with the Bangladesh team but is open to accepting the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) decision.
"I don't know what's happening back home," he said.
"I have signed a contract till whatever the date. I am looking forward to serving the term. If the board changes and the new people want to make a change, I am okay with that. If they want to continue with me, I am happy to continue."
Hathurusinghe arrived in Dhaka on August 2 for Bangladesh’s training camp ahead of the Test series. But, with the violence growing in the following days, he wasn’t able to join the training and was stuck in the hotel.
Speaking about the situation in Bangladesh, Hathurusinghe's voice cracked as he expressed his concern for the families of those affected.
"I mean, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of those who lost their loved ones. It was really hard. I think, I hope the students' questions will be answered. It was an unprecedented event. I hope that the country will come to normalcy soon. It was very difficult," Hathurusinghe said.
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