Bangladesh, of late, has been pretty impressive in their backyard, where they have taken on the likes of other worldly giants and somewhat produced pretty decent results. A major half of the credit goes to their fast bowling mafia who have done a pretty phenomenal job until now and they have a new leader in Ebadot Hossain.
Another major figure behind Bangladesh’s significant improvement with the ball in their arms have been their fast bowling coach, Allan Donald. Under the chaperonage of the White Lightning, Ebadot has been even better and the way he has executed his plans has been nothing short of brilliant. In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, the former South African ace quick opened up on why Ebadot can be the game-changer for Bangladesh in the offing.
Here is what Allan Donald had to say about Ebadot Hossain
Donald said, “He has blown the house down. From the moment I met him in Johannesburg exactly 12 months ago, he has been impressive. He is an athlete. He has a great engine on him. The ‘Syhet Rocket’. We are working on small things which are more tactical. We are working on game intelligence in every game. I am still trying to find the area that he needs to work on.”
He further continued, “What has impressed me the most is that Ebadot is always in the game. He will be in the wickets column in every single game. He bowls 145-148 [kph], so you know the pace factor will have a massive impact on the game. He showed it the other night [first ODI]. He is a wonderful talent; from a guy who won a fast-bowling competition to where he is now, he could consistently be a member of all three formats.”
Talking about the collective performance of the side, Donald said, “It has been a terrific performance collectively. We have been speaking about this pack mentality for a while. I just think great plaudits should go to the mindset of the group. It was wonderful to see how we bowled the other night [first ODI]. All three of them were very potent. All had an impact, asking questions and creating chances. Very happy to see that.”
Allan Donald lauds the pack mentality of Bangladesh
The South African quick continued, “I have been here for 12 months. My work with that group and the stuff that I have done with them has never changed. Hathu [Hathurusingha] is an attacking, aggressive coach. It is my style as well. What he has told the whole group as well is to take the game on, not be afraid to win. I think it is a great message.”
Saying further, Donald added, “Hathu has been brilliant around the group. He has expressed his freedom to the group. I think they have unshackled themselves and played aggressive cricket. My mindset has never changed since I was 16-17. It is to be aggressive but someone has to give me an expansive role. It is exactly what I have done to the bowling group.” He concluded by adding, “It is definitely achievable. A couple of guys got nineties in the first game, couple of guys got seventies in the second game. Mushy [Mushfiqur] obviously converted it into a magnificent knock. We want to take those partnerships deeper, we want the hurt to feel even more. Take Ireland to the last ten overs with six or seven wickets in hand, so we can pile it on.”
