Exciting newcomers

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Sports Reporter

The two fresh faces in the Tigers' 20-man preliminary squad for the tour of England, Shahadat Hossain Rajib and Shahriar Nafees Ahmed both offer something new.

While 18-year-old Shahadat is making quite an impression with his raw pace Nafees, a year older than the tearaway, could become the first specialist left-handed opener for the Tigers if the selectors decide to trust his obvious talent.

But whether they survive the final cut or not, the youngsters are nevertheless grateful for the opportunity to rub shoulders with the country's top names and are quite happy to pursue their individual goals.

The exciting Shahadat said his only concern at the moment was to bowl even faster.

"I have averaged 90 mph but I'm not satisfied with that speed. I love to bowl fast and I'm confident that I can improve my pace. My dream is to see my name in the genuine fast bowlers' list," said Shahadat after the first training session of the preliminary team at the Army Stadium yesterday.

Naturally aggressive and well-built, Shahadat, who is the country's quickest bowler, said nothing delighted him more than seeing the stumps uprooted by a fast delivery.

"I still don't think too much about variation. I want to beat batsmen with raw pace. I love the sight of stumps cartwheeling," said the six feet three quick who hails from Narayanganj. "I would like to be known as the Narayanganj Express."

After unsettling opposing batsmen in the Under-19 World Cup early last year, Shahadat had toured England with the U-19s and Zimbabwe with Bangladesh A and he feels the experience gained from those trips would come handy if he is selected.

"I am just beginning my career, so I'm not thinking about the final selection. But if I get the chance, nothing like it because English conditions suit fast bowlers.

"I had enjoyed bowling in Zimbabwe too and I have gained valuable experience from that particular series," said Shahadat, who took 12 wickets in two A team Tests as Bangladesh A thumped the hosts 3-0.


IN FOCUS: Fast bowler Kazi Shahadat Hossain Rajib (L) and opening batsman Shahriar Nafees Ahmed pose after completing the first training session with the Tigers at the Army Stadium yesterday. PHOTO: STAR


Nafees, who had captained the A team in Zimbabwe and also had English experience with the U-19s, said he was in no hurry to make his full international debut.

"I consider myself extremely lucky that I have received the call up.

I have a target to cement my place in the opening slot and that's why I am prepared to wait my turn. I take this selection as a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience.

"I am just excited to be here. It is now my job to prove myself at the highest level," said Nafees who has learned his trade at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP).

-Dailystar