Bangladesh have begun their formal skills camp at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur ahead of their upcoming series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates. The squad is using the sessions to prepare for different playing conditions, with extended batting and bowling drills forming the core of the programme.
Spin-bowling machines and specially prepared slabs for fast bowlers have been brought into the practice sessions as the coaching staff seek to expose players to a variety of challenges before the team leaves for Dubai. Batting coach Mohammad Ashraful has outlined the thinking behind the preparations, while also discussing the injury to Nahid Rana, the return of Jaker Ali Anik and the recent form of Sadhman Islam.
Six skills sessions before departure
The use of spin-bowling machines is not specifically linked to Afghanistan’s strength in spin, Ashraful said. Head coach Phil Simmons regularly uses specialised training methods to prepare the players for different match situations.
Bangladesh also used bowling machines and slabs for the fast bowlers before their series against Pakistan. The team are now scheduled to have six skills sessions before travelling to Dubai.
Members of the Test squad had already been working on their fitness and individual preparations. The latest programme marks the start of the team’s collective skills work.
Afghanistan could produce spin-friendly pitches, but Bangladesh are not limiting their preparation to that possibility. The coaching staff are working on different scenarios so the players can adapt if the surface or conditions differ from expectations.
Batters asked to build patience
A major focus of the latest session was spending longer periods at the crease. Experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim and other members of the batting group worked for an extended period under the supervision of the coaching staff.
The day’s schedule included around two hours of training before lunch, followed by another one and a half hours after the break. Batters were encouraged to develop the concentration and patience required to build lengthy innings, while bowlers worked on maintaining the stamina and control needed for long spells.
Ashraful said the same approach would continue in the following session. The aim is to reinforce a Test-match mindset in which players remain patient and disciplined even when conditions make scoring difficult.
Nahid Rana ruled out of the Test
Fast bowler Nahid Rana will miss the one-off Test because of injury and is currently going through rehabilitation.
His availability for the ODI series will depend on his recovery. Ashraful said the head coach, captain and selectors would discuss the situation before making a decision on whether Rana is fit enough to return.
Bangladesh still have confidence in their other fast-bowling options. Ashraful pointed to the team’s recent performances in Australia, where Bangladesh won one Test without Rana and their pace attack also competed strongly in the second match.
The batting coach said the players who have been given opportunities have continued to show that they can contribute at international level.
Jaker returns with confidence
Jaker Ali Anik has returned to the national squad after an absence of almost a year, and Ashraful has been encouraged by his form in training.
The batter had also looked impressive during preparations for Bangladesh’s first Test in Australia, according to Ashraful. Jaker later scored runs while representing the Bangladesh ‘A’ team in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Those performances appear to have helped restore his confidence, with Ashraful saying the batter now looks to be back in the rhythm he showed previously.
If selected in the playing XI, Jaker is expected to have an opportunity to demonstrate that form at international level.
Preparing for high-scoring and slow surfaces
Bangladesh are also considering how different pitches and outfields could affect scoring. Ashraful referred to women’s matches in Japan, where scores of more than 200 have been recorded. He said the ball has been coming nicely onto the bat and the fast outfield has made it easier for batters to find boundaries.
Bangladesh’s first practice match, however, produced a score in the 140s. A wet outfield made boundary-hitting more difficult, limiting the scoring rate.
The team are therefore preparing for both ends of the spectrum. On a good batting surface, the focus will be on building totals above 200. On a slower pitch, the players are working on how to make a total of around 140 to 160 competitive.
Ashraful also said the coaching staff have been maintaining communication with curator Gamini de Silva as part of the preparations.
Sadhman working on technical issues
Sadhman Islam has not been in his best rhythm in recent Test appearances, but Ashraful believes the opener has the experience and ability to return to form.
Sadhman has played 30 Tests for Bangladesh and has concentrated on the format for a considerable period. He has two Test centuries and, only a few innings ago, produced consecutive scores of 80 against Ireland.
The batter has been working hard in the nets, with particular attention being paid to the technical areas that have caused problems recently. Ashraful said Sadhman’s experience in Test cricket remains valuable and expressed hope that he will soon return to scoring runs consistently.
With the UAE series approaching, Bangladesh’s preparations are being built around adaptability. The squad are not simply preparing for Afghanistan’s spin threat; they are also working on the patience required for long innings, the discipline needed for extended bowling spells and the ability to adjust their approach according to the surface.
The combination of specialised net sessions, fitness work and scenario-based training is intended to give the players several options when they face different conditions in the UAE.
