'Pace variety is our strength'

Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha spoke highly about his versatile bowling department ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy semifinal clash against India at Edgbaston on June 15.

Many have been anticipating a battle between two fine bowling attacks in the second semifinal and many consider India's bowling as the best in the tournament, but Hathurusingha had a different view.

“I'm not going into that, far to say that we are better than anybody else [when he asked to compare his bowling attack with India]. But we have variation. Our four fast bowlers each give you a different taste,” said the Sri Lankan while talking to reporters after the training session at Edgbaston yesterday.

“I always said that my bowlers are better. I don't underestimate India. They have a very good fast bowling attack. They are very good in helpful conditions. As I said before we have four bowlers with different sets of skills,” he added.

Pacer Mustafizur Rahman has yet to come up with his best in the tournament and when Hathurusingha's attention was drawn to the matter, he said: “If you remember, he had a bit of a setback after the first year. It took eight or nine months out of his development. He is developing, the fast bowling coaches and the captain is working with him about the tactical side of the game and skill development. He is still improving. He is coming back from injury. It is challenging for him in the second and third season but he is really doing well. He is a very clever cricketer and he is learning very fast.”

Replying to a question about whether his side will play aggressive or normal cricket against India, he said: “At the start of the tournament if you had asked me I would have told you India are one of the fevourites. For me they are still the favourite team. But as I said before if we play to our potential we can give any team a run for their money.”