Taskin draws comeback inspiration from Mashrafe

Bangladesh speedster Taskin Ahmed has returned to the practice nets after being sidelined due to injury since the South Africa series in April.

Suffering from a shoulder strain, Taskin has been ruled out for the Test series against West Indies as well as he will undergo rehab but is set to feature in the One-Day series, starting from July 10.

In his road to recovery, Taskin drew inspiration from former Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who has battled with injuries throughout his career.

“Injuries will come but you have to overcome those obstacles. The biggest example is Mashrafe bhai, he fought through many injuries to play. We, the young fast-bowlers, get a lot inspiration from him. Injuries will come but we have to come back,” he said.

The right-handed bowler was elated to be able to bowl again but has not hinted at a specific return date.

“I’m very happy to be able to bowl after a long time. I have bowled eight overs today. Rehab is boring especially when you’re on your own and it’s difficult to watch the team play from the outside,” he said.

“I am working in a program under the supervision of physio Bayezid bhai and doctor Debashish sir. It’s a set program and I’m gradually building up towards recovery. If everything goes well, I will return soon,” he added.

Taskin, who made his Test comeback in 2021 after a four-year absence, said that his self-belief was important in his comeback in a time when many had discounted the fast bowler to make a return to the national team, especially in the red-ball fold.

“Test Cricket is very special, it is the toughest format. Others can count you out, but the day you count yourself out, that is when everything is finished. You can’t explain everything with logic. If you have self-confidence, then you can make a lot of things possible,” he said.