As Pakistan prepares for their two-match Test series against Bangladesh, they are relying heavily on their pace attack. However, Bangladesh remains keenly aware of the potential impact of their spin bowlers.
To ensure that spinners like Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam can make a significant impact, Bangladesh has enlisted the expertise of former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed as their spin-bowling coach.
In contrast, Pakistan’s squad includes only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, with batting all-rounder Salman Ali Agha as a secondary option.
“Spinners play a crucial role in Test cricket,” Mushtaq stated on Thursday during a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium, where Bangladesh will train until their departure for Rawalpindi. “They are essential for providing rest to fast bowlers and supporting match-winning spinners,” he added.
Bangladesh’s final selection for the series will depend on the conditions in Rawalpindi. Mushtaq indicated that the team would assess the pitch at Pindi Stadium before finalizing their lineup. “We will determine our combination based on the pitch conditions,” he said.
If the spinners do not feature prominently, Mushtaq expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s pace bowlers, including Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Shoriful Islam, who have shown significant improvement as Test pacers.
“Bangladesh has capable fast bowlers who need to believe in their abilities,” Mushtaq emphasized. “It’s important to build confidence in the players.”
Pakistan, on the other hand, has not added a spin-bowling coach to their support staff, led by head coach Jason Gillespie, a former fast bowler. Mushtaq suggested that Pakistan could benefit from utilizing local spin experts like Saqlain Mushtaq, Abdul Rehman, and Saeed Ajmal.
The Bangladesh team, captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto, will have another practice session at the Gaddafi Stadium before heading to Rawalpindi.
In Rawalpindi, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, part of Pakistan’s preparatory camp, remains undeterred by pitches favoring fast bowlers. “My goal is to maintain consistency in line and length regardless of the pitch conditions,” said Abrar, who made a notable debut against England in 2022. “I’ve played on green pitches in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and am prepared to adapt.”
Although Abrar might not be included in Pakistan’s lineup for the first Test, he continues to learn from his teammates and aims to become a key spinner for the team through persistent effort and improvement. “Even if I’m not playing, I observe and learn from others. My focus is on enhancing my bowling and working hard to achieve my goal.”
