Sylhet:Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud celebrated a remarkable six-wicket haul against the West Indies in the second and final Test, marking it as a significant personal achievement. Hasan's performance was instrumental in dismissing the West Indies for 356 in their first innings at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, bringing Bangladesh back into contention.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hasan expressed immense satisfaction with his five-wicket achievement at home, emphasizing the special nature of performing on home soil. He stated, "Taking five wickets at home is always very special for me. It was a good opportunity to perform on our own ground, and Alhamdulillah, I am happy."
Hasan's accomplishment places him among elite company, sharing the distinction with Australia's Nathan Lyon as the only fast bowlers to have achieved five-wicket hauls in five different countries. Despite this, Hasan maintains a focus on simplicity, discipline in line and length, and executing team strategies.
When asked about his most memorable wicket, Hasan identified Indian batsman Virat Kohli's dismissal as particularly significant among several high-profile scalps, including those of Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, and Steve Smith.
Hasan elaborated on the strategies employed by Bangladesh's fast bowlers on the batting-friendly Sylhet wicket, noting the early assistance from seam movement and swing. Alongside fellow pacer Taskin Ahmed, Hasan concentrated on maintaining consistent lines despite changing conditions.
A notable tactical move during the match involved an unusual stumping off Hasan's bowling, facilitated by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto's suggestion to bring the wicketkeeper closer to the stumps. This adjustment was aimed at curbing the batter's advances and proved successful.
Hasan also discussed his bowling approach, emphasizing the importance of setting up batters with variations and creating expectations before delivering a surprise wicket-taking ball.
Finally, Hasan acknowledged the impact of his experience with English county side Kent, which aided his adaptation to varying conditions, particularly in Australia, due to the similarities between the playing environments in England and Australia.