RAWALPINDI: While acknowledging that Bangladesh are a balanced team, Pakistan all-rounder Salman Ali Agha on Sunday said the pitch for the first Test in Rawalpindi is likely to help fast bowlers.

“Though the actual situation will be clearer on the match day, the apparent green look signifies that the pitch will assist fast bowlers,” Salman said while talking to reporters at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

“The weather is not in our control so we don’t think too much about it,” the 30-year-old added when responding to a query of a reporter who asked what plans Pakistan had considering there were chances of rain in Rawalpindi during the next couple of days and beyond.

“Being professionals, [the] players can handle a situation like this.”

Pakistan on Saturday released mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed so that he could feature in the second and final four-day match against touring Bangladesh ‘A’ side. An all-pace bowling attack for the first Test against Bangladesh has been named.

Answering a question regarding there was no specialist spinner for the series opener, Salman said the hosts’ bowling was strong.

“A response on including spinners or pacers in the squad can be sought from the management. I think our bowling remains balanced and can deliver,” the all-rounder, with 12 Tests under his belt, said.

When it was highlighted that there was just one spin option (Salman’s part-time off-spin) in the Pakistan Test squad, the Lahore-born player said it was an exciting challenge for him.

“Whenever I bowl, I consider myself as specialist bowler and while batting, I count mys­elf as a specialist batter,” he said. “With the same approach, I played in Australia [Tests].”

Replying to a query regarding Bangladesh, Salman said the tourists had a good team.

“Bangladesh are good opponents. Their bowling is good, and their squad is a balanced combination of senior and junior players. Therefore, we can expect a good contest in the series,” he stated.

He also rejected any grouping in team, adding that environment in team is very good and all players are plying in one unit and they have been enjoying as brothers and good friends.

Earlier on Sunday, both Pakistan and Bangladesh teams trained here at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.

Mahmudul Hasan to miss opener

Meanwhile, Bangladesh opener Mahm­udul Hasan Joy will miss the opening Test in Rawalpindi due to a groin strain.

“Joy had complained of pain in the right groin on Aug 14 while playing for Bangladesh ‘A’ in the four-day match against Pakistan Shaheens. He underwent an MRI followed by physical assessment, and it has since been confirmed that he has a Grade 1 adductor strain in the right groin,” Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said.

“He has begun his rehab. Such injuries usually take about 10 to 14 days to recover from. He will not be available for the first Test but we hope to have him fit for the second Test.

“We will continue to monitor his progress on a day to day basis,” the physio added.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2024