Sports: Bangladesh national selector Abdur Razzak said on Thursday that Zimbabwe are a different side altogether at their own territory and the tourists need to guard against complacency in order to earn success in the upcoming series.
In the recent past Bangladesh dominated against the Zimbabweans on their own but according to the former national left-arm spinner expecting it to be the same won’t lead them to success as there is a vast difference in condition.
Bangladesh started their first practice session on Thursday at Harare Sports Club, where they are scheduled to play their whole series comprised of a Test along with three ODIs and three T20Is.
“If we treat Zimbabwe the way we treat them at our den than I am hundred percent sure the series will be difficult for us,” Razzak told reporters on the eve of the first practice session on Thursday at Harare Sports Club.
“They are going to do better in their own condition than they did in Bangladesh and they have the ability to make a comeback faster than us,” he said.
“The pace bowlers dominate here, just like the spinners dominate in our country but the spinners also have a very vital role to play, as in some situations, they need to contain the runs, as well as getting break-throughs, if the pacers struggle at some points,” he said.
“It’s not like these wickets don’t contain spin at all here,” said Razzak.
All the members of the foreign coaching staff reached Zimbabwe apart from physiotherapist Julian Calefeto who is having a passport issue and was replaced by Bayezidul Islam for the Zimbabwe series.
Bangladesh newly appointed spin consultant Rangana Herath and batting consultant Ashwell Prince also had their first day at office and according to Razzak if spinners seek his advice he is open to sharing his experience.
“Herath (Rangana) has come with us, he is an experienced player. He was quite a star when he used to play. He is working as a bowling coach now, and I’m sure that Herath would be able to share a lot of tips with our bowlers. And if I’m also needed alongside Herath, I’ll always be there for them,” Razzak said adding that he is trying to adapt to the new role as a selector.
“It’s a new role and a different experience for me. This time, I’ve come here as an official, not as a player, so everything seems a little different. It’s my first day here. Naturally, when I had come here before, all I did was practice and went back to the hotel, but now I have to look after everything. The two duties are a bit different,” he said.
After the opening Test, the tourists are scheduled to play another warm-up fixture on July 14 – two days ahead of the ODI series.
The ODIs are scheduled on July 16, 18 and 20 respectively while the three T20Is will be played respectively on July 23, 25 and 27 with Harare Sports Club hosting all the matches of the tour.
