Bangladesh have begun their formal skills camp at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur as they prepare to travel to the United Arab Emirates for their upcoming series against Afghanistan. With different playing conditions expected in the UAE, the squad are using a range of specialised training methods to prepare for variations in pitch behaviour and match demands.
The players have been spending extended periods in the nets, working on both batting and bowling. Spin bowling machines are being used alongside specially prepared slabs for the fast bowlers, allowing the coaching staff to create different challenges during practice.
Bangladesh batting coach Mohammad Ashraful spoke to the media about the team’s preparations, the injury situation and the form of several batters.
Training is not limited to Afghanistan’s spin threat
Ashraful said the increased use of specialised equipment should not be viewed solely as a response to Afghanistan’s strength in spin bowling.
Head coach Phil Simmons regularly uses such methods whenever the opportunity arises, he said. Similar training, including bowling-machine work and the use of slabs for fast bowlers, was also carried out ahead of the series against Pakistan.
Bangladesh are scheduled to complete six skills sessions before travelling to Dubai. The Test squad members had already been working on their fitness and individual preparations, while the team’s collective skills sessions have now started.
Afghanistan could opt for a spin-friendly surface, but Bangladesh are preparing for more than one type of pitch. The coaching staff want the players to be ready to adapt their approach according to the conditions they encounter.
Batters urged to stay at the crease for longer
The latest training session was particularly demanding, with the players working for around two hours before lunch and another one and a half hours afterwards.
Ashraful said the primary focus was on developing the ability of the batters to spend long periods at the crease. The bowlers, meanwhile, are being prepared to maintain their stamina and control through extended spells.
The same approach is expected to continue in the following session. For the Test players in particular, the emphasis is on developing the patience and concentration required to build lengthy innings rather than looking for quick runs.
That preparation could prove important in unfamiliar conditions, where adapting to the pace and behaviour of the surface can have a significant impact on a Test match.
Nahid Rana ruled out of the one-off Test
Fast bowler Nahid Rana will not be available for the one-off Test because of injury. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and his availability for the subsequent ODI series will depend on his recovery.
Ashraful said a decision on whether Rana can return for the ODIs will be taken after discussions involving the head coach, captain and selectors.
Bangladesh, however, have other pace options in the squad. Ashraful pointed to the team’s recent performances in Australia, where Bangladesh secured a Test victory without Rana, while the fast bowlers also competed strongly in the second Test.
The performances of players who have been given opportunities have provided the team with additional options as they prepare for the Afghanistan series.
Jaker Ali returns with renewed confidence
Jaker Ali Anik is back in the national set-up after an absence of almost a year, and Ashraful believes the batter has regained his confidence.
According to the batting coach, Jaker had looked in excellent touch during practice before the first Test in Australia. He subsequently scored runs for Bangladesh A in South Africa and Zimbabwe, further strengthening the impression that his batting rhythm had returned.
Ashraful said Jaker’s recent work in the nets has also been encouraging. If selected in the playing XI, the batter is expected to make the most of his opportunity.
His return gives Bangladesh another option in the batting line-up ahead of a series in which adaptability is likely to be important.
Bangladesh preparing for both high and low-scoring conditions
The team are also keeping a close eye on how different surfaces can influence scoring. Ashraful referred to matches in Japan where women’s games have produced totals of more than 200, with the ball coming nicely onto the bat and the outfield allowing boundaries to be scored quickly.
Bangladesh’s first practice match, by contrast, produced a total in the 140s. A wet outfield made it difficult for the batters to find boundaries, affecting the scoring rate.
The coaching staff are therefore preparing the players for contrasting scenarios. On a good batting surface, the objective will be to build a total above 200. On a slower wicket, the challenge could be to make 140 to 160 runs competitive through disciplined bowling and fielding.
Ashraful also indicated that the coaching staff may remain in regular contact with curator Gamini de Silva while assessing the conditions. The wider objective is to ensure that the players can adjust their tactics rather than relying on one fixed approach.
Sadhman working to rediscover Test form
Sadhman Islam has been short of runs in recent Test matches, but Ashraful remains confident that the opener can return to form.
Sadhman has played 30 Tests for Bangladesh and has focused extensively on the longest format. He has two Test centuries to his name and, only a few innings ago, produced back-to-back scores of 80 against Ireland.
The batter has been working hard in the nets, particularly on technical areas that have caused problems recently. Ashraful said Sadhman’s experience in Test cricket remains an important asset and expressed hope that he will soon return to the runs.
For Bangladesh, the UAE tour will therefore be about more than simply preparing for Afghanistan’s strengths. The squad are working on the ability to cope with different surfaces, sustain long spells with the ball and bat patiently for extended periods. With several players competing for places and others returning from injury or a spell away from the national side, the final stages of preparation in Mirpur will be crucial before the team head to the UAE.