Jahanara raring to get back on the field

With sport completely halted and not even training camps spared following the coronavirus outbreak, Bangladesh national team cricketer Jahanara Alam has been trying to maintain her fitness at home like other athletes. But the pacer is eagerly awaiting a return to outdoor practice, especially after being inspired by Mushfiqur Rahim's recent outdoor activities.

"It's different to practice on the field. You can't compare it to working out on a treadmill. It works really well and refreshes you when you do drills on the field. I am a pace bowler and you know how important fitness is for a pace bowler," said Jahanara.

"Mushfiq bhai's work ethic can serve as an inspiration to any cricketer and I was inspired to do the same when I saw him practising on the lush green, but I have no scope for that.

"The coronavirus suddenly changed everything. I was bored but now I try to be positive. Can you imagine, for the past four months I have been locked at home? Initially, I only did free-hand exercises as I had no gym equipment and as a result, I gained 2kgs," she continued.

Jahanara, however, said she was inspired by Mushfiqur's treadmill exercise and communicated with the wicketkeeper-batsman to buy the same one.

"I purchased some instruments, including a treadmill, and now I am fully focusing on my fitness because it would be unwise to work on fitness instead of skills when we return to cricket. Fitness is a big concern for any pacer, so I have to be fit and Mushfiq bhai is a great inspiration in this regards," she said.

During the break, Jahanara dedicated as much time as possible to her favourite activities: cooking and eating ice cream.

"I love to cook and I love to eat different food. As an athlete, I need to sacrifice many of my favourite items due to my diet. However, the break afforded me the luxury to eat my favourite ice cream and the quantity was not insignificant," she said with a laugh. "I already started to follow my dieting chart again so there will be no more ice cream more in the near future."

She was confident that fitness would not be an issue for her when cricket returned to Bangladesh.

"Cricket returned to England and many other countries are also planning to resume. As far as I know, the board (Bangladesh Cricket Board) is planning to resume women's cricket through domestic competitions and it will definitely help us in regards to fitness. I am looking forward to starting outdoor practice after the Eid vacation. I always try to stay positive," Jahanara ended.