BBL stint big help for World Cup preparation - Shakib

Shakib Al Hasan has said that his forthcoming three-week stint in the Big Bash League with Melbourne Renegades will considerably help his preparation for the upcoming World Cup.

He is likely to leave for Australia on January 4 although his departure and whether he returns or stays back for the World Cup is dependent on Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha. Shakib is available for Renegades' matches on January 7, 10, 13 and 19, and Bangladesh are scheduled to fly to Australia on January 24. It is likely that Shakib will stay on for the extra five days and join the World Cup squad.

He feels that the experience with Renegades will train him well for what is to be expected in Australia and New Zealand in February and March. Shakib said that the knowledge he will gain from his new teammates will be invaluable for him, and he can pass it on to the Bangladesh side.

"My biggest gain is the extra 20 days of training I will get in Australia," Shakib said. "I will try to do well in the matches but it can also go poorly. The practice sessions will be more important. I can learn a lot in these three weeks.

"If I had trained with the Bangladesh team for the same period, I wouldn't have learned as much as I will learn by training with them [Melbourne Renegades]. I can share my experience with the team, which will benefit everyone."

Shakib could play in Hobart, at the MCG and the Docklands Stadium. Bangladesh will play against Sri Lanka in Melbourne while their other World Cup group matches will be in Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide in Australia and Nelson and Hamilton in New Zealand.

"I will have the opportunity to play in a few of the grounds. I can adjust myself to the weather and the environment. I don't think there can be a better way to prepare than this.

"I think Big Bash is different and possibly the toughest arena. It will certainly be quite high among the T20 leagues. It is a challenge for me to do well in this tournament. I will try to take confidence from the Big Bash to the World Cup."