Bangladesh will commemorate their greatest success in the format to date—an eight-wicket victory over the Kiwis in their backyard in 2022—as they prepare to write a new chapter in the third cycle of the World Test Championship with a two-match home series against New Zealand. at that match at Mount Maunganui, pacer Ebadot Hossain—who is presently recovering from knee surgery that kept him out of the World Cup in India—played a crucial role. The right-arm quick talked about his injury update, recalled how the Tigers prepared for that Test, and provided his knowledge that could benefit the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led team in the forthcoming series in an interview with Mazhar Uddin of The Daily Star. The following are some quotes from the interview:
The Daily Star (DS): How are things going with your recuperation?
Ebadot Hossain (EH): I’ve had some improvement. It was a major surgery, so I had to pay close attention to the healing process. As I enter the second part of my rehabilitation, our physiotherapist, Kieron Thomas, is pleased with my progress to date. A full recovery from this kind of injury often takes nine months, and as part of the process, the UK specialist requested me to follow up ninety days following the surgery. So, later this month, I’ll be travelling to the UK for additional consultation.
DS: Prior to the first Test matchup with New Zealand, you were spotted in Sylhet having a meeting with your coach and players. Was there anything specific you talked about?
EH: Well, following the World Cup, I didn’t get a chance to meet with every member of the team. The coach, Chandika Hathurusingha, requested me to meet him because I was in Sylhet. He enquired about my level of recuperation. After a long period, it was nice to catch up with everyone, including teammates.
DS: The historic Test victory on Mount Maunganui was made possible in large part by you. What message would you like to give the team ahead of their next match against the Kiwis in your home town, in this format?
EH: Captain Mominul Haque and Khaled Mahmud Sujon led a productive talk prior to the Mount Maunganui Test. It was all about establishing a wholesome surroundings for us. We asked ourselves, “How long will we lose to New Zealand? We need to make some changes.” Each and every member of the team was willing to put in their best effort. So, no matter the situation, it will be critical to maintain self-motivation.
I spoke with Mahmudul Hasan Joy and reminded him of his knock during that particular game. Once the hitters are able to score some runs, it helps the bowlers to pitch freely.
DS: Due to injuries, both you and fellow experienced pacer Taskin Ahmed will not be playing for the Bangladesh pace-bowling side. Thus, without you two, the relatively inexperienced pace unit consisting of Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam will have to take the lead. Given that the inaugural Test will be held in your hometown of Sylhet, what message would you send to other quicks?
EH: As I previously stated, it will be crucial to know how driven you are for this chance. Since their past performances indicate it, I genuinely believe players like Shoriful, Khaled, and Hasan possess the necessary skills.
The bowlers should persist in their efforts to bowl over the off stump, especially since the first Test match is scheduled to take place in Sylhet. If the bowler keeps bowling at the stumps and raising questions, the hitters will find it difficult to score even on level fields. It’s crucial to get off to a confident start because I believe Sylhet’s new ball will provide some assistance.
Developing rhythm would be another crucial element, which one of the seamers will undoubtedly do. It’s critical that we take advantage of this and offer the necessary assistance at the other end to permit the batter’s pressure to increase. I have a lot of faith in this group of pacers, and I think they can surprise the Kiwi hitters once more and be a major factor in winning the Test match.
DS: Bangladesh’s World Cup campaign was completely dismal. How do you feel about the Tigers’ World Cup performance?
EH: You know, like other people, I was also disappointed. I believe that everyone gave it their all. But our luck didn’t hold throughout the competition. Such incidents do occur occasionally. The main thing is to look stronger than you were in the past.