Rahi backs decision to play one pacer, three spinners

Bangladesh right-arm pacer Abu Jayed Rahi backed his side’s decision to go with one pacer and three spinners in the first Test match against Zimbabwe at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium Saturday. 

The Tigers think-tank received a backlash for the decision, and apparently derailed from its claim of backing the pacers in any form of the game.

Many believe the decision to play an off-spinner and two left-arm spinners was driven from Bangladesh’s defensive mentality, and not backing the pacers enough.

Sylhet lad Rahi informed that the wicket at SICS has not been in favour of the pacers in the past two years, despite offering bounce and pace for the pacers initially.

In-form @ZimCricketv batsman Sean Williams said his side are looking at a total between 300 to 350 runs, in the first innings of the first Test match against host @BCBtigers.https://t.co/X01bfdHdEv#BANGLADESHCRICKET #BANGLADESH #CRICKET #ZIMBABWE #ZIMBABWECRICKET #BCBTIGERS

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) November 3, 2018

“There is no reason to be upset about (playing one pacer). The management understood well that the pacers will not do well on this wicket. We were in doubt with the Sylhet wicket for the past few days. Back in 2013-14, the wicket here used to be bouncy but it has changed in the last two years,” said Rahi to the media after the day’s play.

“We (Sylhet Division) played with three pacers in the National Cricket League this season, but two could bowl only 14 overs as the conditions were not friendly for the pacers. So I believe the decision from the team was a good one,” the 25-year old added.

After making his Test debut in January this year, Rahi is now playing in his fourth game. 

He started the day conceding 16 runs in his first spell of five overs, including one maiden. 

The break between the 48th and 49th overs of @ZimCricketv's innings got slightly stretched after a “child” invaded the pitch and rushed towards wicketkeeper-batsman @mushfiqur15.https://t.co/QZ3FJTIOHu#BANGLADESHCRICKET #BANGLADESH #CRICKET #BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #ZIMBABWE #ZC

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) November 3, 2018

In the second spell, Rahi removed Zimbabwe opener Hamilton Masakadza for 52 and conceded 21 in six overs while in his next four overs, he gave away just 10 runs. 

At stumps, Rahi walked off bowling 18 overs giving away 61 runs with one maiden and a wicket.

“I am happy to have picked my first Test wicket at my home ground. I had my T20I debut here too. Despite the challenge of the unfriendly wicket, I think I will be able to finish well in the game because I am used to playing here and bowling with an old ball,” said Rahi.

Despite playing his first Test at home, Rahi informed that none of his family members were present at the stadium.

“This was because my mother is more comfortable watching me on TV. According to her, she does not get to see enough of me when she is at the stands. She does not want to go through the trouble of coming to the stadium,” said Rahi before bursting into laughter.