Taskin looks to debut memories for inspiration

A year ago, Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed rocked India with a five-wicket haul in Mirpur on ODI debut. The immediate gloss was taken off by Stuart Binny's six-for that skittled Bangladesh out for 58, but Taskin's performance was enough to suggest that Bangladesh had unearthed another promising fast bowler.

Taskin became the first Bangladesh bowler, and ninth overall, to take five or more wickets on ODI debut, and the instant impact of his performance could be seen in the fact that Bangladesh looked to take three pace bowlers in their line-up even in slightly suitable conditions.

Taskin said the memory of that game is an inspiration for the forthcoming, three-match ODI series, which starts on June 18, but he is also aware that India's batting is much stronger compared to 2014, when they toured without MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan.

"The memory from the last India series will work as an inspiration but this is a new start," Taskin said. "We have to play much better, but what has happened last year will remain in history. India are one of the best teams in the world. Their batting is very good in the sub-continent. Our pace bowlers have to bowl well, there is no choice.

"I think we can do well against them. Our team is stronger, everyone is doing well. If we can continue to be consistent, I hope there will be something good (in this series). If you are talking about a special goal, if given the chance, I will try to bowl a spell that helps the team win the game."

Taskin has played 12 of Bangladesh's last 19 ODIs but has bowled his full quota of 10 overs only twice. He has made an impact in terms of wickets, taking three-wicket hauls in three games, of which Bangladesh have won two - against Scotland and Pakistan.

Taskin said he is bowling at a better pace and is learning new tricks with more experience at the top level. Bangladesh are also looking at him as a Test prospect and his workload is increasing steadily. Injuries from his early days as a bowler, however, have ensured that he is still a work in progress.

"I try to learn from every game. My speed has increased, while I have also bowled in several different match situations," he said. "It helps me gain experience, and I am learning a lot.

"I am training for all formats. I am bowling a lot more, working harder. I am trying to prepare myself for Tests. I am fitter than before. I hope to play in all formats. I used to bowl 100 deliveries per week even a couple of weeks ago. Now I am bowling around 160 deliveries a week. I am also doing a lot of work in the gym."

Taskin has tended to bowl more overs between the first Powerplay and the 40th over, and he has also shown wicket-taking abilities. He is confident of adapting to any role given to him, and hopes to take advantage of supportive pitches in Mirpur.

"My role depends on the match situation. I will try to cut out the runs if that's the requirement," he said. "I will bowl to get a breakthrough if that's the case. I will try to fulfill the demands of the captain.

"Wickets were sporting during the Pakistan series. Pace bowlers get a bit of assistance these days, which wasn't the case before. Spinners were more successful, but the wickets have changed."