Allan Donald asks Bangladesh to learn from English, Indian bowlers

Allan Donald with Hasan Mahmud in nets (PC: Associated Press)

After winning the ODI series against India 2-1, Bangladesh were bamboozled by 188 runs in the first Test Match at Chattogram. The Shakib Al Hasan-led team went under a lot of scrutiny post the mammoth loss, and bowling coach Allan Donald has asked his fast bowlers to look at their flaws.

In bowling-hell conditions, England did an impeccable job bowling Pakistan six out of six times, out of which seamers took 26 wickets at an average of 24.07. Now, Donald wants Bangladesh's pacers to take motivations from the Englishmen's mindset. 

"I have always used the reference of the England fast bowlers' mindset in Pakistan. How they get themselves involved in the contest. Despite three spinners, you have a free ride to be a bit more expansive as a quick. You can bowl short and full for longer. You can put everything on the table for four overs," the bowling coach said on eve of the second Test.

The South African legend also applauded the Indian seamers Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav, who changed their plan of action as per the conditions offered. 

"If you saw how Siraj or Umesh bowled, they either went very short and attacking. They had people in catching positions. The ball was slightly reversing. It is not easy to duck on these pitches, so if you have a bit of pace."

Meanwhile, the bowling coach hailed the Tigers' batting, especially mentioning the opener Zakir Hasan, who scored a hundred in his debut match.

"The second innings batting is a blueprint for us. The young man has surprised many. It is the first time I have seen Zakir. I love his attitude, boldness and attacking mindset. He has come to play. He showed that he can take on the very best bowlers. He has been a terrific breath of fresh air. He backs himself," Donald concluded.

In other updates, the home skipper is expected to be full throttle in bowling in the second Test at Dhaka. Meanwhile, Shakib's opposite number, KL Rahul has sustained a minor hand injury during the nets. 

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