India vs Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz at forefront of Bangladesh's bold new dawn

'Spin-bowling allrounder is 'most improved' cricketer in last 5-6 years'
CHENNAI: Things suddenly look bright in Bangladesh cricket. The recent Test series win in Pakistan was probably their highest point and the success has a lot to do with the two spinning allrounders in the team - Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The duo lends a lot of depth to the team and that has allowed Bangladesh to play three pace bowlers, something that they couldn't do earlier.

While left-hander Shakib is probably the best Bangladesh player ever with 4543 runs and 247 wickets in 69 Tests, offie Miraz's batting has come up in leaps and bounds over the last couple of years. In their second Test win against Pakistan, his five-wicket haul and 78 in the first innings played a significant role.

Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha is particularly impressed with the way the 26-year-old has shaped up in recent times. "Miraz is probably the most-improved Bangladesh cricketer in the last five-six years. He is ready to take over whenever Shakib moves out. He has developed his batting and obviously his bowling has been his strength. Add to that he is a gun fielder," Hathurusingha said about the off-spinner, who has been toiling hard at the nets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium for the last couple of days.

Shakib, though, hasn't trained with the team yet and reached Chennai only on late Tuesday evening. He was playing county cricket for Surrey and the Bangladesh management believes he has enough game-time under his belt.

"Shakib always played a huge part in Bangladesh cricket whenever he is available and playing well. Obviously he gives us luxury to balance the team the way we want, whether we want to play extra bowlers or extra batsmen because of his all-round capabilities. His ability to adapt as well as a huge experience are crucial," the coach said.

The fact that Shakib hasn't been training with the team didn't seem to bother the coach. "He is coming from playing countless matches and is in good shape. He brings a lot to the team, not only his skill-set but otherwise as well," Hathurusingha added.

Depth in pace bowling hasn't happened overnight, says Bangladesh coach
Another important factor in Bangladesh's recent resurgence is about their pace bowling. Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud and young Nahid Rana have played a part while left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam is absent with injury. Hathurusingha didn't want to take credit for the attack's development but praised "the process" that the Bangladesh Cricket Board has followed.

"It has not happened overnight. Previous coaches before me have done a lot of work and even the board has invested in programmes to find fast bowlers. In domestic cricket, too, there has been a rule whereby there has to be a certain amount of grass on the pitch at local games. So all these factors help the fast bowlers to enjoy their cricket and have success," Hathurusingha said, adding that a few more are also ready to be unleashed on the international stage.


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