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"Has to earn his place in Tests": BAN coach opens up on Dhaka hero Rishad Hossain's future

Soumyajit Dutta

Rishad Hossain [Source: AFP Photos]Rishad Hossain [Source: AFP Photos]

A career-best haul of six for 35 in the first ODI against West Indies has reignited conversations about Rishad Hossain's future, with Bangladesh spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed firmly backing the young leg-spinner for Test cricket. 

The figures, which are the best by a Bangladesh spinner in ODIs, showcased the match-winning potential that Mushtaq believes can be translated into the five-day format. Despite being a regular in the white-ball setups, the 23-year-old is yet to earn a Test cap.

Mushtaq gives strong backing to Rishad's Test role

Mushtaq, a former leg-spinning great himself, expressed strong conviction that Rishad Hossain has the tools to succeed in Test cricket, highlighting a specific tactical advantage he could provide.

"I 100 percent expect him to [play Tests]. For the last four wickets, especially against teams like Australia and England who can bat deep, a leg-spinner who can bowl a good wrong one with Rishad's height and bounce can be very lethal. Last four batsmen cannot read his wrong one. He can be very good for Test cricket, but he has to earn that place by bowling good overs," Mushtaq said, as quoted by The Daily Star.

Coach reveals Rishad learning from the best

The coach also revealed that a conversation between Rishad and Afghan star Rashid Khan during the Asia Cup has been highly beneficial for the youngster's development.

"I wanted the young spinner [Rishad] to talk to him. They exchanged point of views. Rishad is a different bowler than Rashid, but they both share good wisdom. It's important for young players to speak to all senior players like Rashid, Adil [Rashid], etc. It's a good sign that people are starting to rate him internationally," Mushtaq, who was one of the finest leg-spinners of his generation, said.

With Bangladesh aiming to clinch the ODI series against West Indies in the second game on Tuesday, Mushtaq concluded with bold confidence in a clean sweep for the Tigers in the three-match series.