Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed is hoping to make his participation in the upcoming ODI tri-series in Ireland count as he prepares to make his national team comeback.
The 24-year-old was hailed as the next big hope of Bangladesh’s pace unit when he made his international debut in 2014 but poor form, injuries and a suspension for an illegal bowling action has seen him fall to the fringes of the selectors’ plans.
Taskin only recently expressed his disappointment in missing out on Bangladesh’s 15-man World Cup squad but he is now hoping to seize his opportunity after being handed an ODI recall for the Ireland series.
Taskin, along with all-rounder Farhad Reza, were named as late additions to the Bangladesh squad for the ODI tri-series in Ireland also involving West Indies. He has also been named as one of Bangladesh’s standby players for the World Cup.
The pacer has not featured for Bangladesh in the 50-over format for almost two years now with his last appearance coming in June, 2017 against South Africa.
“There will be lots of pressure on me to perform in Ireland,” the pacer told ESPNcricinfo in an interview.
Bangladesh Team snapped at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport today (May 1) before heading to Dublin, Ireland ahead of the Ireland Tri-Nation Series. pic.twitter.com/xhYrqKiak3
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) May 1, 2019
“I will have to do well. I am trying to reduce the pressure on me. I think if I stick to the right process, things will fall into place.
“It is my expectation to do well. I want to do well. My fans have always been positive, mostly, but it has nothing to do with them.”
The right-armed fast bowler had earlier been given an ODI recall for the recent series in New Zealand but an ankle injury put paid to his comeback hopes.
Now, Taskin is hoping to rediscover the form that made him such a promising prospect five years ago.
“I would also like to bowl like I did in the past. It is a tough challenge to come back into the team having not played so many matches. In cricket, sometimes when you lose your place someone else takes it and does well, so it is always hard to come back,” he stated.
So far in his ODI career, Taskin has picked up 45 wickets in 32 appearances with an average of 31.13.
For the very latest news, analysis and opinion download the Sport360 app
