'If he can keep his fitness levels up, he can go a long way'- Herath on Shakib Al Hasan

At present, Bangladesh spin bowling coach Rangana Herath is conducting a four-day spin camp with a total of 32 spinners to bolster their attack for the upcoming series.

This camp holds importance due to the Bangladesh team losing their home series against Sri Lanka. With Nayeem Hasan getting injured and unavailable, Shakib Al Hasan was responsible for leading the spin attack. He was the lone warrior for the side and grabbed a fifer in the second Test.

In the latest interaction, Herath opined about Hasan, who is already 35. He reckoned that the all-rounder is experienced, but his fitness levels will determine the longevity of his career. 

"He's [Shakib] a very experienced guy. You know he is always up to the mark. He only needs to think about fitness. If he can keep his fitness levels up, he can go a long way," said Herath at the Academy Ground in Mirpur.

After taking the five-wicket haul in the 2nd Test, Shakib said that he doesn't need any special preparation with 10-15 years of experience. He stressed on the fact that training with a purpose is more important for him. 

"I don't think after playing for so many years I don't need 10 to 15 days for me three sessions is enough if I am playing and if I am not playing than the maximum I need five to six sessions (to prepare), and I don't need more than that if I am fit. For me, training is not important. What is important is whether I am doing it with a purpose," Shakib said after Day 4 of the 2nd Test. 

The former Sri Lanka spinner thinks that the national team lacks an off-spinner. Therefore, he termed this preparatory camp to gain proper knowledge of the abilities of the emerging spinners in the country. 

"If you have an extra spinner as backup, it will be an advantage for Bangladesh cricket. For example, now Nayeem got injured, and there is no proper off-spinner. So we need to keep a record of the spinners and maintain those spinners," added Herath.