‘Remain unfazed by big names’

Bangladesh bowling coach and West Indian fast bowling legend Courtney Walsh’s mantra for his team which takes on India in the one-off Test match here from February 9 is to enjoy the game, relax even while giving off their best on the field.

Speaking on the sidelines of the practice game here on Monday, Walsh wants his team to remain unfazed by big name Kohli (the Indian captain). “We have to look at them as an unit and not get worried too much about the reputations. Obviously, Kohli is a world class player and there are quite a few in this Indian team,” he remarked.

“If we play good cricket over five days, then the Test will be interesting. It is apparent that it is going to be a real challenge for our team. But we are up for that and it was good to have this practice game before the Test,” he said.

“We have nothing to lose but everything to play for against India,” he insisted.

“I am pretty impressed with the Bangladesh pacers especially the way they have been taking the workload of late. What we lack is clearly experience. The more you play the better will be any cricketer. I just hope they play more and more Tests.”

“The conditions here are definitely going to be different compared to New Zealand (where Bangladesh lost the two-Test series before coming over here), but more or less similar to back home. Maybe the surface will be different here. Yes, a lot depends on what kind of pitch they would be preparing for this Test,” Walsh explained.

“I do feel that the New Zealand tour experience should hold many of these young boys in good stead,” he added.

Commenting on the Indian pace attack, Walsh says he is pretty much impressed with the emergence of so many fast bowlers. “And, it is not surprising given the number of Academies like the MRF Pace Foundation.

“In whatever format, fast bowling is always about skills. You have to master this to be a better bowler. And this you get, I repeat, with experience. The bowlers will get the confidence too,” the great fast bowler pointed out.

Walsh signed off reminding his pace bowlers not to worry too much about the fielding lapses. “They are part of the game and one has to look forward and not worry too much or else they will lose the focus,” he said.

The Jamaican, however, refused to comment on West Indies cricket.