Mirpur: Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Sandhu on Thursday praised his team’s pace attack over Pakistan’s traditionally strong pace unit ahead of the two-match Test series scheduled from May 8 to 20.
Speaking at the pre-series press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Sandhu admitted that Pakistan’s fast bowling is very strong, but insisted that the Bangladesh fast bowlers have improved a bit over the past few years.
“Pakistan’s fast bowling has traditionally been very strong; there’s no doubt about that,” Santo said.
“However, considering how our pacers have performed over the last few years, I would say our pace attack is a bit ahead,” he added.
In the series opener here from May 8 to 12, the Bangladesh skipper backed up his insistence by improving the skills of the Bangladesh fast bowlers before accepting the challenge and forcing the batsmen to post big first innings scores.
“Our fast bowlers have improved a lot in terms of skill, which gives me an extra cushion as captain,” he said.
“I personally want the batsmen to take up the challenge of putting up a big first innings total. The right combination of pace and spin will be key to our success.”
Santo particularly praised right-arm fast bowler Nahid Rana, who is capable of reaching 150 kmph and was the fastest of the two teams, noting that his presence in the squad was a big plus for the home team. The 23-year-old also provided support to reach his peak in the series against Pakistan.
“I know Rana from his early days and I know his work ethic,” Santo noted.
“For a captain, it’s always a big plus to have a real tear in the team. He’s in great rhythm and I expect him to hit his peak in this series,” he concluded.