Javed talks up Jayed, Ebadot as future Bangladesh prospects

Former Pakistan quick Aaqib Javed has earmarked four Bangladesh fast bowlers for higher honours at the end of his week-long stint as the High Performance fast bowling consultant. He talked up the abilities of Abul Hasan, Abu Hider, who have played international cricket, and identified Abu Jayed Chowdhury and rookie Ebadot Hossain as future Bangladesh prospects.

Javed worked with the HP pacers for four days before spending two days with the Bangladesh national team bowlers. Among those who caught his eye, Hasan has played three Tests and six ODIs while Hider has played five T20s for Bangladesh. Jayed, meanwhile, has taken 120 first-class wickets at an average of 29.36.

Javed said that Ebadot, who works for the Air Force, could be developed into a Bangladesh fast bowler. Ebadot, who was brought into the HP squad after impressing in the BCB's pace bowlers' hunt earlier this year, has not played first-class or List A cricket until now.

"I think [Abul Hasan] Raju has the potential but he had injuries and has problems with confidence," Javed said. "He has got pace, good body and action. But he has to come out of that phase. Ebadot is bowling 138-140 kph with his physique. Coaches told me he will go back and join the Air Force and stop practicing. I think somebody should give him a contract or a job that is related to cricket. He reminded me of Mohammad Irfan. We worked on him for six months and made him ready for first-class cricket. If he can build a decent body, he can be a future Bangladesh fast bowler."

Javed also said that he took the perspective of Mashrafe Mortaza, the Bangladesh captain, who attended the training sessions. "It really helped that Mashrafe was there, because I was asking him questions," Javed said. "'If a bowler is not landing the ball in the required line and length, would you select him'? He said 'no'. I asked, 'what is your demand'? He said the demand is he [the bowler] should hit the right areas with control and accuracy."

Javed said that the bowlers were told to identify their strengths and drawbacks to understand their roles in the side. "We discussed about discovering yourself," he said. "There are different traits that bowlers have - Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee and Shaun Tait had pace. Joel Garner and Mohammad Irfan have bounce. Survival with swing and some pace - Shaun Pollock, Chaminda Vaas, Mohammad Asif. Then people who have to create illusions with difficult actions - [Lasith] Malinga, Mustafizur [Rahman], Sohail Tanvir.

"If you know which category you belong to, then your life will be easier. You'll have a better understanding of your role in the team. You will focus on different things. I have seen people bowling 130 with the mindset of Brett Lee. Getting smashed. We discussed awareness, and once you do that, you will have understanding of the challenges in front of you."

Javed added that a long stint is not needed to pass on tips to young fast bowlers, while stressing on the improvement of senior bowlers."I don't believe in a long process," he said. "I think six days is a long time to transfer knowledge. After today's session, I said: 'I don't have anything else to share with you'.

"When you talk to experienced players, you will have limitations. You can't tell them something that they already know. You have to bring something, which improves them. I think I had wonderful time with the national team and the younger bowlers."