Miraz amazed after five-wicket haul on debut against England

Bangladesh youngster Mehedi Hasan Miraz has surprised himself with his remarkable bowling that left England batsmen groping in the dark on the opening day of the first Test.

Sports Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 20 Oct 2016, 02:45 PM
Updated : 20 Oct 2016, 02:46 PM

The offspinner was confident that he would be able to assist his team on the turning wicket of Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, but a five-wicket haul on debut was beyond his wildest imagination.

He took the spotlight on Thursday, returning 5-64 from 33 overs to become the youngest Bangladesh bowler to grab five wickets on debut.

At 18 years 361 days, he bowled with guile to produce big turns from the pitch and reaped the results in the form of a memorable bow.

"I really feel great. I will remember this day, this match for the rest of my life. I took five wickets on my debut. Taking five wickets against England is a stroke of luck," he said after the close of first day.

"I never expected this… I tried to do well for the team but never thought I would be able to show such authority."

Miraz took out England debutant Ben Duckett and Gary Ballance early to help Bangladesh pile pressure on England at 21 for 3.

The tourists fought back through Joe Root and half-centurions Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow, but Miraz also dismissed the three English batsmen to put Bangladesh back in front.

Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim had introduced Miraz in the attack in the second over of the innings and asked him to bowl wicket-to-wicket.

"Mushfiq asked me to bowl at the wicket. It can create chances for getting an lbw or having a batsman bowled... that's what I tried to do," Miraz added.

He is the seventh Bangladesh bowler to bag five wickets or more on debut. He shares the feat with Taijul Islam, Shohag Gazi, Elias Sunny, Mahmudullah, Manjurul Islam and Naimur Rahman - all of them were older than Miraz.

Miraz is not too far behind the world record. Only three bowlers around the world were younger than him with their exploits.

Aussie fast bowler Pat Cummins tops the list with 6-79 at 18 years 193 days, followed by Pakistan allrounder Shahid Afridi (18 years 235 days) and his compatriot Shahid Nazir (18 years 318 days).