As Sylhet and Khulna Division geared up for their National Cricket League encounter at Sylhet Academy Ground, the allure of first-class cricket was evident, especially for young players sharing the field with emerging national fast bowler, 23-year-old Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Following his Test debut earlier this year and participation in several ICC events, Sakib engaged in a conversation with Abdullah Al Mehdi from The Daily Star, discussing his game and admiration for first-class and Test cricket. Here are the key highlights from their exchange:
The Daily Star [DS]: Transitioning from the national team back to first-class cricket can impact the atmosphere in the dressing room. Do you sense this change?
Tanzim Hasan Sakib [THS]: Absolutely. I have experienced it. As newcomers in first-class cricket, witnessing senior players… I have grown up in this environment, and I believe it inspires the younger players too.
DS: In the past, national team players were less involved in first-class matches, but now many actively participate. Does this reflect an enhancement in our first-class cricket standards?
THS: Without a doubt… It fosters a sense of competition, driving everyone to elevate their game. To progress, one must aim higher. Looking up motivates me to enhance my performance. I find immense joy in playing first-class cricket.
DS: How intense is the competition?
THS: The competition in Sylhet is robust (expressed with a smile due to the abundance of emerging pacers from Sylhet). This Sylhet team feels like home to me.
DS: What changes do you think should be implemented in our first-class structure?
THS: I believe the quality of pitches is crucial. If we have good pitches, the overall standard of cricket in our country will rise, similar to the progress seen in India. When we compete against them in age-level tournaments, we are on par. However, in first-class cricket, they produce 200-250 run innings, an experience our batsmen lack. While we compete evenly in events, we did manage to defeat them in the U-19 World Cup.
DS: Who inspired your aspirations to play Test cricket among your first-class teammates?
THS: My admiration for Dale Steyn goes way back… I spent hours at home watching Test cricket. I rarely missed a South Africa match, especially when Steyn was on the field. Watching Steyn fueled my ambition to play Test cricket. Tests allow you to bowl for extended periods, exhibit aggression, and engage in intense battles with batsmen, a facet challenging to experience in shorter formats.
DS: Besides Steyn, you mentioned your admiration for Bumrah and Rabada. What aspects do you seek to emulate from them?
THS: Primarily, their skill set. The movement off the pitch and the pace they generate. I closely study and endeavor to incorporate those elements in my bowling. While I bowl at a speed of 135 to 140 kilometers per hour, similar to them, their ability to move the ball off the pitch significantly troubles batsmen. Hence, I am striving to master that skill.
DS: Is hitting the pitch harder a defining feature of your bowling style?
THS: I rely on hitting the wicket hard; it’s my primary approach. Unlike Hasan Mahmud, who is a swing bowler, I align more with Taskin Ahmed’s style.
DS: What plays a crucial role in achieving the off-the-pitch movement you highlighted?
Tanzim Hasan Sakib: I believe the brushing motion on the surface and the positioning of the seam are key factors. At times, when the delivery lands on the seam, the desired effect is not achieved. It is observed that a scrambled seam aids in generating the desired movement. I am working diligently on perfecting this technique. A scrambled seam results in more off-the-pitch movement, with Mustafizur Rahman being exceptional at it, and I am keen on learning from him.
DS: Do you relish the direct confrontation with the batsman?
THS: Certainly, such direct interactions are possible in Test cricket. Therefore, Test cricket is highly enjoyable and remains every cricketer’s aspiration. It is a challenging yet ultimate format in my perspective.