Talha ‘ready for the task’ after Tait’s departure

Newly appointed Bangladesh pace bowling coach Talha Jubair insisted he is ready to embrace the challenge despite the limited time available before the team’s upcoming assignment, following the departure of Shaun Tait, who stepped down from the role on Thursday, citing family reasons.

The Australian leaves after overseeing a successful period with the Tigers since joining in May last year, a tenure that saw a few successful series and ended with Bangladesh’s historic 2-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan at home last month.

Cricket operations in-charge Shahriar Nafees confirmed that former Bangladesh pacer Talha will take charge of the pace unit for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia, beginning with the first ODI on June 9.

Talha’s appointment comes with considerable expectations. Bangladesh’s pace attack has undergone a significant transformation in recent years under a succession of highly regarded coaches. Allan Donald and Ottis Gibson laid the groundwork and carried the development forward, while Tait built on those foundations and helped oversee a period of notable success for the fast bowlers. The pace unit has become a key strength for Bangladesh and has contributed to a number of important victories and achievements, meaning Talha inherits a department that has steadily raised its standards and reputation.

Aware of both the opportunity and responsibility, Talha acknowledged the challenge ahead.

“It’s a big thing for me, but the responsibilities are great too. Time is very short and it would be difficult to bring any significant changes, but I am ready for the task,” he told The Daily Star.

Among the players who benefited during Tait’s tenure was express pacer Nahid Rana, who came into the limelight during Tait’s stint. Rana said personnel changes are part of professional sport and expressed understanding towards Tait’s decision to prioritise his family.

“In a professional setting, no one’s position is fixed. Obviously, family comes first, and he prioritised his family. When someone has a family issue, no one has a hand in it. Obviously, if he had stayed, it would have been good, but hoping that the new coach will be someone good,” Rana said.

The young pacer also shed light on the nature of his work with Tait, explaining that the coach focused less on technical overhauls and more on incremental improvements and mental resilience.

“I have been sharing some basics with him and discussing the small details. It’s not like we have been working for two-three years. If you have to change in a big way, it takes time, so he was working on the small details like mindset and not breaking down when things are going badly. He was very positive and would encourage you during the tough times,” Rana said.

Meanwhile, having worked with Talha in the Bangladesh Premier League and domestic cricket, Rana already enjoys a strong understanding with the former paceman, who previously helped him address issues with his run-up.

“I have been working with Talha bhai for a while and have good mutual understanding with him. Actually, I like working with all the pace bowling coaches in Bangladesh, so let’s see what happens going forward,” Rana added.

Meanwhile, Tait reflected fondly on his time with Bangladesh, describing it as a privilege to work with a talented group of players and staff. He said he was proud of the progress made by the pace bowlers and believes they have an exciting future ahead.

Australia are scheduled to arrive on Friday at 4:20 pm for a series comprising three ODIs and three T20Is, while Bangladesh will begin their preparatory camp on June 6.