‘Rishad has to earn his place in Tests’
Bangladesh spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed said that he '100 percent' expects Rishad Hossain to play Tests for the Tigers and believes he can be a solid option in the five-day format as well.
Rishad claimed career-best figures of six for 35 against West Indies in the first ODI, the best figures by a Bangladesh spinner in ODIs.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Rishad has featured heavily in T20Is and also played 12 ODIs but is yet to play Tests. The 23-year-old has played 21 first-class games and Mushtaq felt he can be potent in Tests.
"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.
He also said that Rishad's conversation with Afghan spin wizard Rashid Khan during the Asia Cup has been beneficial for him.
"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.
Bangladesh take on West Indies in the second ODI on Tuesday, hoping to clinch the series 2-0. Mushtaq believes the Tigers can win the series 3-0.
"Insha'Allah. As coaches, we try to help the guys believe in themselves. Belief is everything. If my belief is weak, the players won't buy it. International cricket is all about temperament and belief. Bangladesh has very talented people, and they can challenge any team. We have to believe that."
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