(UTV | SOUTH AFRICA) – Shakib al Hasan said that they need to do well in all three departments of the game in order to achieve success in South Africa.
Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan said on Sunday that they need to do well in all three departments of the game in order to achieve success in South Africa where they are scheduled to play three ODIs and two Tests.
“Our bowling department will have to do very well. We bowl well at home but in away series we always struggle. So there is much to improve in that regard,” Shakib told reporters at the Shah Jalal International Airport, ahead of departing for South Africa.
”Not only spinners, it’s challenging for fast bowlers as well. In ODIs, if the fast bowlers don’t take wickets with the new ball, it will be much more difficult for spinners. If we can help each other out, then a good result is possible.”
”We have to bat well, and what happens is that in big grounds, our fielding gets exposed often. We have to do well in all three departments if we want to do well against them,” he added.
The all-rounder also cautioned against having high expectations, especially in the backdrop of South Africa’s recent success versus the Indian side at home. ”Hope is that we can win. It will be very good if we can win the series. But I think winning even one game will be a big achievement.”
“I think the whole team will have the same target. The last series that was played there, they won all three matches against India. So it will be very challenging there. See, although they are saying it’s a new side, but their side has already found balance,” he noted.
On Saturday, Shakib made himself available for the South Africa tour, and also across the three formats of the game. Initially, the all-rounder had acknowledged that he was not in a “situation to play cricket” and was mentally and physically exhausted.
”I am going to play in all formats. I don’t know if the Bangladesh team have done any practice sessions yet. If they undergo training tomorrow, I will be present at the practice session during that time. Not missing any training sessions, so I think there will be enough preparation from my side.”
”I also said it yesterday that sometimes a change of location can bring a change in mindset. That’s what I am hoping for. I am sure about the fact that the team management, coaching staff and players have always stood by me and will do the same this time and I will try to give something back for them.”
”We will be able to train there for five-six days. So there is not too much space for massive improvement. Whatever mental preparation we can take will be good for us.”