Mustafizur’s bowling action unlikely to be changed, says mentor Walsh

Bangladesh’s pace bowling mentor Courtney Walsh believes he has figured out why Mustafizur struggled at the Champions Trophy.

The Caribbean coach is helping the youngster work his way back to his top form but says he will make no change in the left-arm seamers action unless it is absolutely necessary.

“I noticed he was falling away a little bit in England. We have been trying to get him to be more upright and balanced so that he can pull through,” Walsh said.

“We are also trying to get back his pace to where it used to be, and get him a little bit closer to the stumps.”

The 21-year-old Mustafizur grabbed four wickets in Bangladesh’s last game of Sri Lanka tour and then put up a good show at the Ireland tri-nation series.

But his poor performance at the elite global tournament last month cast doubts in people’s mind over the social media.

Walsh returned from his vacation early after the Champions Trophy and began working on Mustafizur’s issues. He was seen correcting the position of Mustafizur’s arm, head and shoulder on the first few days, advising his apprentice to bowled from close to the stumps.

On Tuesday, the 54-year-old West Indian spoke to the reporters about these things, adding that helping Mustafizur regain his pace was among his targets.

Mustafizur used to bowl around 140km/h regularly before, but his speed has dropped since recovering from surgery.

In the social media, fans are worried that Mustafizur’s action may have been changed since his return from injury. Mainstream media, too, have raised the question sometimes, much to Walsh’s annoyance.

He made it clear that was not the case then, and neither is it now.

“I wouldn’t say he will have a new bowling action, but we are trying to get him more balanced at the crease, and get him a bit closer to the stumps. I will not be trying to change his action unless I think that’s required,” he said.

“Because of the operation, he was falling away a little bit. He has recognised it. The last couple of days, he has been close to what he used to be. He is heading in the right direction. There won’t be any massive changes.”

Walsh, however, feels that Mustafizur’s grasp on the issue is what matters most. In fact, he is amazed at the youngster’s enthusiasm.

“He knows what needs to be done as well. I have to give him credit because he is eager to get out there and practice correctly. He wants to be the best there is, and he is an exceptional talent.

“This weather has frustrated him as well because we were making progress. He has what it takes to correct what’s happening, and I am sure he will come out better.”

Walsh’s assurance would calm the fans as the Tigers are desperately in need of a match-winning bowler.