Pacers full of promise

Prior to the start of the Chittagong Test, both coach Chandika Hathurusingha and captain Mushfiqur Rahim emphasised on one aspect; that this Bangladesh's bowling line-up had the ability to take 20 wickets.

It was something that the skipper had repeatedly stated in the past as well. So much so, that the statement had kind of earned the reputation of having become the team management's favourite filler; a line used in press conferences whenever too many questions regarding Bangladesh's bowling had crept up.

However, this time around, one could sense a difference in the demeanour of both the coach and the captain while those words were uttered. "I am very confident with this bowling line-up," Hathurusingha had asserted.

A day later, it was evident as to why the team management sounded so confident. Bangladesh may not have found the time to scalp 20 wickets, but their pacers seemed to have taken the visitors by a surprise with their accurate line and length.

Sure enough, Mustafizur Rahman's inclusion was bound to provide the team with a boost; however, it was the accuracy from Mohammad Shahid that amazed many.

In his third spell on Day 1, Shahid had bowled five consecutive maidens. It was a feat, which took the skipper's breath away.

"I don't think I have ever seen someone bowl such a good spell in Bangladesh, especially on this flat track. I think to bowl such spells even on wickets that have help for a pacer is rare.

"He should be given credit for the unselfishness with which he bowled and planned his bowling," asserted Mushfiqur during the post-match press conference in Chittagong yesterday.

"He was a bit unlucky. Hopefully next time when he creates a chance we will grab it," he added while referring to the two dropped catches off Shahid's bowling.

While Shahid contained the runs from one end, Mustafizur attacked from the other. It was a kind of combination that Bangladesh's fans rarely get to witness.

After all, since 2014, Bangladesh's pacers took only 28 out of 131 Test wickets.

Mustafizur's inclusion in the Test side, in a way, provided a new hope for the pace attack.

"In Tests there's no pressure to score runs so the batsmen can take lot of time. Be it the cutter or maybe even the reverse swing, the batsmen can handle them quite easily sometimes. He is a quick learner and that is something that he has realised on his own," Mushfiqur said while analysing the left-armer's performance in his first Test.

"I think that if he does it consistently he will be successful in Test cricket as well just like the ODIs. Not that we expect him to take five-fors in every match, but I think he can at least maintain a good average and a good strike-rate," wished the skipper.

Furthermore Mushfiqur also hoped that the two young pacers can help solve the troubles that Bangladesh have been facing with the new ball in Test cricket.

"The Bangladesh team is really lucky that we have match-winning bowlers at the moment. Hopefully they will hold on to this form. Most of our wickets are spin-friendly. If the pacers can get early wickets, then it can help any captain in the world," believed Mushifqur.