B'desh pacer Taskin Ahmed eager to make Test debut

Wellington [New Zealand], Jan. 10 (ANI): 21-year-old Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed is likely to make his Test debut against New Zealand in the first Test of the two-match series beginning January 12 at the Basin Reserve. Ahmed would be leading the fresh pace-bowling group, which is the least-experienced department in the team for the past eight years. Along with Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Subashis Roy and Kamrul Islam Rabbi would be the likely fast bowling group against the Black Caps in the first Test. On Tuesday, all the four bowlers gleefully bowled on a green surface next to the first Test pitch. Ahmed, after spending much of the day's bowling on the centre pitches rather than the nets, could not help but smile when asked about his excitement at bowling on such a pitch on his Test debut. "The bowlers are very happy seeing the wicket," ESPNcricinfo quoted Ahmed as saying. "It is a rather green and hard surface. I am gearing up to bowl there. We have some good fast bowlers, and we have shown in the recent past that we can bowl well. If we can bowl to our potential, it will be a good game." However, it should be noted that the inexperience of the 21-year-old pacer in the longer format is a major concern for him. Few months ago, Bangladesh's coach, Chandika Hathurusingha , had warned the selectors in October not to pick him in Tests. While Ahmed's excitement is reasonable, his inexperience in the longer format is a major concern, especially for someone who has broken down twice in the last three years. Only a few months ago, in October, Bangladesh's coach, Chandika Hathurusingha, warned the selectors not to pick him in Tests. But Ahmed believes that his lack of bowling volume could be covered by the work he does in the nets, while preparing himself to play in Test matches. "I have had to work hard to come to the Test side.The support staff and coaches at the BCB really helped me get to this stage. I trained in a specific programme, which included building my bowling workload in the last 18-24 months," he said. "I am in the Test squad because I have become fitter, and I don't want to stop after just one game. I want to make a regular place in the team." "I am not too worried about bowling volume. I don't think my lack of first-class matches will be a factor. I am only thinking of taking care of myself off the field, so that I can give my all on it. I have bowled 12-15 overs in the nets on many days, with the new and old ball. I am learning how to swing the red ball. I believe that I will become a better Test player with every game I play," he added. (ANI)