Bangladesh’s men’s national cricket team is gearing up for a pioneering challenge in the United Arab Emirates as they prepare to play their first-ever Test match on Gulf soil. While the squad has played numerous white-ball encounters under floodlights in the region, adapting to the arduous physical demands of a five-day Test under the daytime desert sun represents an entirely different ordeal.
Ahead of their single Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on 9 October, Bangladesh arrived in Dubai on 1 October to begin an intensive acclimatisation process. Following early practice sessions at the ICC Academy, they contested a two-day warm-up match against a local UAE selection team, which concluded in a draw. The primary focus of the fixture was less about the result and more about helping players adjust to conditions where the heat index consistently reached a grueling 45 degrees Celsius.
Staying properly hydrated has become a paramount concern for the squad, particularly for the bowling contingent required to deliver long spells. In a video released by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, pace bowler Ebadot Hossain detailed his personal routine for surviving the harsh climate. Ebadot starts preparing two days before a match by significantly increasing his fluid intake, consuming vast amounts of water, electrolyte drinks, fresh fruit, and coconut water.
In addition to dietary management, Ebadot revealed an unusual grounding ritual designed to speed up his physical adaptation to the local climate. Upon arriving at a new venue, he spends between thirty minutes to an hour walking barefoot across the outfield. He explained that this direct physical contact helps his body establish a natural connection with the ground and speeds up acclimatisation to high surface temperatures. His insights offer valuable guidance for Bangladesh’s development squads, such as the Under-19 team departing for Oman on 10 October to play a series of 50-over matches against Afghanistan and Oman.
On the field, the two-day practice match provided useful game time for both the batting and bowling units. Bangladesh scored 234 runs in their first innings, anchored by Soumya Sarkar’s top score of 57, alongside useful contributions from Shadman Islam (46), Nayeem Hasan (36), and Mominul Haque (33). In response, the UAE side were bowled out for 222 in 53.5 overs. Reserve fast bowler Iqbal Hossain impressed with 4 wickets, while left-arm spinner Taijul Islam took 3, and Ebadot returned figures of 1 for 38 from 9 overs.
During Bangladesh’s second innings, the team declared at 114 for 3 after 26.5 overs, with veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim scoring a fluent 44 and Shadman adding 32. As the squad transfers to Abu Dhabi, maintaining peak physical condition during long days in the field remains as crucial to their success as tactical preparation.
Bangladesh’s men’s national cricket team is gearing up for a pioneering challenge in the United Arab Emirates as they prepare to play their first-ever Test match on Gulf soil. While the squad has played numerous white-ball encounters under floodlights in the region, adapting to the arduous physical demands of a five-day Test under the daytime desert sun represents an entirely different ordeal.
Ahead of their single Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on 9 October, Bangladesh arrived in Dubai on 1 October to begin an intensive acclimatisation process. Following early practice sessions at the ICC Academy, they contested a two-day warm-up match against a local UAE selection team, which concluded in a draw. The primary focus of the fixture was less about the result and more about helping players adjust to conditions where the heat index consistently reached a grueling 45 degrees Celsius.
Staying properly hydrated has become a paramount concern for the squad, particularly for the bowling contingent required to deliver long spells. In a video released by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, pace bowler Ebadot Hossain detailed his personal routine for surviving the harsh climate. Ebadot starts preparing two days before a match by significantly increasing his fluid intake, consuming vast amounts of water, electrolyte drinks, fresh fruit, and coconut water.
In addition to dietary management, Ebadot revealed an unusual grounding ritual designed to speed up his physical adaptation to the local climate. Upon arriving at a new venue, he spends between thirty minutes to an hour walking barefoot across the outfield. He explained that this direct physical contact helps his body establish a natural connection with the ground and speeds up acclimatisation to high surface temperatures. His insights offer valuable guidance for Bangladesh’s development squads, such as the Under-19 team departing for Oman on 10 October to play a series of 50-over matches against Afghanistan and Oman.
On the field, the two-day practice match provided useful game time for both the batting and bowling units. Bangladesh scored 234 runs in their first innings, anchored by Soumya Sarkar’s top score of 57, alongside useful contributions from Shadman Islam (46), Nayeem Hasan (36), and Mominul Haque (33). In response, the UAE side were bowled out for 222 in 53.5 overs. Reserve fast bowler Iqbal Hossain impressed with 4 wickets, while left-arm spinner Taijul Islam took 3, and Ebadot returned figures of 1 for 38 from 9 overs.
During Bangladesh’s second innings, the team declared at 114 for 3 after 26.5 overs, with veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim scoring a fluent 44 and Shadman adding 32. As the squad transfers to Abu Dhabi, maintaining peak physical condition during long days in the field remains as crucial to their success as tactical preparation.
