Nazmul looking within during downtime

In an interview with The Daily Star last month, Bangladesh batting consultant Neil McKenzie stressed the importance of players using this coronavirus-induced break to reflect on their careers. Cricket in Bangladesh has been halted since March and while cricketers have been doing their bit to stay fit with indoor workouts following BCB-provided guidelines, the best thing for them now would be to reflect on their careers so far and analyse their flaws.

It seems like Bangladesh batsman Nazmul Hossain Shanto has taken McKenzie's words seriously, just as any student should, as the left-hander has been reflecting on his fledgling career during the enforced cricketing hiatus.

"I have watched the two innings that I played against Pakistan [in the Rawalpindi Test in February]. Also, I watched the T20 century I scored [For Khulna Tigers against Dhaka Platoon in the last BPL]," said Nazmul.

Re-watching the highlights reel was not just a way of relieving sweet memories as Nazmul also analysed his mistakes from his previous matches.

"I have not made many big scores. So, I was just trying to see how I played shots and what I did during my maiden T20 century. But I watched the highlights of the Pakistan game more. Everyone knows how formidable Pakistan's bowling line-up is. So, I watch how I survived during that game. I realised that I should have scored at least a century in that game. I was actually wondering what I could have done to handle the deliveries better and was just trying to understand what I should do when I get similar chances in the future," explained Nazmul, who got starts in Rawalpindi but failed to convert.

Having played only four Tests, five ODIs and two T20Is since his international debut in January, 2017, Nazmul was enjoying seemingly the best time of his career so far after a successful BPL and domestic career that was followed by some promising sparks in the international arena. However, instead of fearing a loss in momentum, the 21-year-old has held on to a more mature and optimistic view.

"I am actually not interested in worrying how things will go once cricket resumes. I think it is better not to think about cricket during this crisis. I will think about cricket once everything is normal and hopefully we will get time for that. It will be great if I could start the way I left off. And even if I can't do well right away in the first or second game, maybe I will pick it up in the third game," explained Nazmul.

Nazmul's penchant for the longer version of cricket was also evident as the left-hander talked about taking lessons from some historical Test innings.

"During this break, I watched highlights of Bangladesh's maiden Test and also a few Ashes games. I have watched Brian Lara's Test 400 a number of times. It is not easy to score 400 in a game. I was looking at the types of shots he played. Aside from this, I also watched Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes's record opening Test stand for the country when they put on 312 against Pakistan in the second innings [in 2015]. Actually, I have been trying to watch the matches that had some incredible knocks. A lot can be learned from these types of games," said Nazmul.

From Nazmul's demeanour during this break, it can be hoped that the left-hander, having thus far taken McKenzie's advice to heart, may also live up to the expectation of the South African coach by returning to cricket 'hungrier than ever'.