I am very excited to get in action with the Dukes ball, says Shoriful Islam

West Indies humbled Bangladesh in the first Test at Antigua after a comfortable seven-wicket win in a Test that lasted a bit over three days. Bangladeshi batters once again came under scrutiny for their underwhelming performance as it has become a trend of late. Bangladesh’s young pacer Shoriful Islam will be joining the squad ahead of the second Test and is excited about the prospect of bowling with the Dukes ball.

Islam was ruled out of the home Test series against Sri Lanka after suffering a wrist injury during batting in the first Test. The left-arm pacer was doubtful for the ongoing West Indies series as well. But after making a speedy recovery, the youngster will be rejoining the Bangladeshi squad ahead of the second Test at St. Lucia.

The 21-year-old was excited about the opportunity of bowling with the Dukes ball in the West Indies. The Dukes ball is exclusively used in Tests by England and West Indies. It assists the quick bowlers more, predominantly with its raised seam. 

“I have heard a lot of things about Dukes balls but still have not touched it. When I will reach there hopefully I will get the chance to have a look at the ball (Dukes), and I am very excited. I was very keen to play the Test in West Indies, and let’s see what happens. I am feeling well (after recovering from injury), and I feel that I am in a good state at the moment,” Shoriful told reporters at the BCB academy as quoted by Cricbuzz. 

 When Shakib says good things about pacers, it only inspires us: Shoriful Islam 

Although Bangladesh suffered another harrowing Test defeat, skipper Shakib Al Hasan was quite vocal about the form of his fast bowlers and praised them for their diligent effort in a losing cause in the first Test. Islam has revealed that words of encouragement from a personality like Shakib inspire the bowlers to do better in matches.

“Naturally when someone like Shakib Bhai says the good thing about pacers it only inspires us. I have not played there but what I have seen is that if the ball is pitched in the right area there is an advantage, and so I will try to maintain the right line and length,” he added.