Ebadot Hossain shares heat adaptation tips ahead of Bangladesh's one-off Afghanistan Test in Abu Dhabi

Bangladesh will play a one-off Test against Afghanistan from October 9 to 13 at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi in hot and humid conditions. This marks Bangladesh's inaugural Test match in the United Arab Emirates, presenting a significant departure from the nation's previous experience in the region. The squad had previously contested only ODIs and T20 Internationals in the UAE, all scheduled as day-night fixtures, making this five-day format played under full daylight conditions a fresh challenge for the touring party.

The Bangladesh contingent touched down in Dubai on October 1 and completed a two-day warm-up match against UAE on October 4 and 5, which concluded in a draw.

During that preparatory fixture, Bangladesh posted 234 in their opening innings, with contributions from Soumya Sarkar (57 not out), Shadman Islam (46), Naeem Hasan (36) and Mominul Haque (33). UAE responded with 222 all out in 53.5 overs, led by Muhammad Waseem's 69. Iqbal Hossain Emon claimed 4 wickets for 30 runs across 6 overs, while Taijul Islam took 3 for 58. Ebadot Hossain captured 1 wicket in 9 overs, conceding 38 runs, and Khaled Ahmed also picked up a wicket. Bangladesh then accumulated 114 for 3 in 26.5 overs in their second innings at the close of day two.

Ebadot revealed that he starts preparing for a match two days before its commencement. He said that he drinks plenty of water and different types of fluids to keep himself hydrated.

"I start preparing two days before a match. I drink plenty of water and different types of fluids to stay hydrated. I drink coconut water and eat more fruits as well," Ebadot said in a video by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Barefoot training for ground connection

Ebadot Hossain has developed a systematic approach to managing the extreme conditions that characterise cricket in the Middle East. The fast bowler emphasises the importance of understanding local weather patterns and employing unconventional training methods to accelerate physical acclimatisation. His preparation strategy combines conventional hydration practices with a distinctive ground-connection technique that he credits with helping his body adjust more rapidly to the heat and humidity.

"It is important to know beforehand what the humidity and heat are like. After arriving here, what I do on the first day of training is walk around the ground barefoot for about 30 minutes to an hour," Ebadot said.

"It helps create a connection with the ground. This makes the connection between the human body and the soil much better. The body adapts to the weather more quickly. After coming here, walking barefoot on the ground for half an hour to an hour helps the body adapt to the weather and the heat more quickly," he added.

Throughout his stay in Abu Dhabi, Ebadot maintains consistent hydration practices both inside and outside the training environment. He prioritises fluid intake during all hours of the day, with particular emphasis on breakfast consumption of nutrient-rich foods and beverages that support heat tolerance and physical recovery.

"As long as I am in my room, I will drink plenty of water and other fluids. Especially at breakfast, eating more fruit, drinking coconut water, having more watermelon, and drinking plenty of water—I think these are the most important things," Ebadot said.