Follow UsBangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has said that his side always struggled with their bowling away from home and that is something they have to improve during their South Africa tour, where they are scheduled to play three ODIs and a couple of Tests.
Shakib made himself available for the South Africa tour after initially backing out due to physical and mental exhaustion. "Our bowling department will have to do very well. We bowl well at home but in away series we always struggle. So there is much to improve in that regard," Shakib said ahead of departing for South Africa.
"Not only spinners, it's challenging for fast bowlers as well. In ODIs, if the fast bowlers don't take wickets with the new ball, it will be much more difficult for spinners. If we can help each other out, then a good result is possible.
Despite having a few new faces in the side, South Africa won the Test and ODI series against India at home and also went on to level the Test series in New Zealand. Shakib has warned his side not to take them too lightly.
''Hope is that we can win. It will be very good if we can win the series. But I think winning even one game will be a big achievement.
"I think the whole team will have the same target. In the last series that was played there, they won all three matches against India. So it will be very challenging there. See, although they are saying it's a new side, but their side has already found balance," Shakib said.
Shakib also hopes that the change in location will help the team have a different mindset going into the series. "I am going to play in all formats. I don't know if the Bangladesh team have done any practice sessions yet," the all-rounder said.
"If they undergo training tomorrow, I will be present at the practice session during that time. Not missing any training sessions, so I think there will be enough preparation from my side
"I also said it yesterday that sometimes a change of location can bring a change in mindset. That's what I am hoping for. I am sure about the fact that the team management, coaching staff and players have always stood by me and will do the same this time and I will try to give something back for them.
"We will be able to train there for five-six days. So there is not too much space for massive improvement. Whatever mental preparation we can take will be good for us."
The tour will kick start with the ODI series, starting Friday (March 18) at the SuperSport Park, Centurion. The ODI series will be followed by the Tests, which will commence on March 31 at Kingsmead, Durban before heading to Port Elizabeth for the final game.