Xtra Time Web Desk: Bangladesh fast bowling coach Allan Donald on Wednesday said they have done well so far in the test series to keep Virat Kohli quite and would want his bowlers to repeat the performance in second test at Mirpur starting from Thursday.
“He is prized wicket isn’t they. It’s like bowling to Tendulkar. When Kohli walks out to bat the value of getting it right is absolutely paramount. You miss a chance against him (Virat Kohli) you are going to suffer, I thought we were very good against him. You just feel the presence when these people walk in the middle, it’s like bowling to Lara. The temperatures suddenly rise. For me nothing changes. I know Virat is hungry and he wants to leave this test with a hundred under his belt. I felt our bowlers have bowled well against him and we would like to continue that way,” said Donald in the pre match press conference in Dhaka on Wednesday.
There was a bit of a speculation whether Bangladesh captain Shakib al Hasan will bowl in the second test. Donald made it clear that Shakib is fine and will bowl in the second test.
“Shakib’s okay. He will bowl. He was a little bit bruised and battered. First of all, he is available for selection and good to bowl,” said Donald.
The former South African fast bowler feels the home side will play three spinners as the wicket does seem to offer some help for the slower bowlers at Mirpur. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed is all set to make a come back in the playing XI in place of Ebadot Hossain, who is ruled out due to injury.
“I think it will be the same three spinners and welcoming back of Taskin Ahmed. He is good and ready to play. We did not want to rush him in the first test. He is absolutely looking to give his best,” said Donald.
Finally, talking about his side’s chances, Donald said, “We desperately want to win. A lot of people including myself would like to go for a delayed Christmas and hopefully a win.”