Not Bangladesh! Taskin Ahmed reveals his favourite place to bowl in international cricket

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Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed is gearing up for one of the biggest challenges of his international career as the Tigers prepare to take on Australia in a two-match Test series. The opening Test is scheduled to begin on August 13 in Darwin, with Taskin expected to play a crucial role in Bangladesh’s pace attack. As one of the team’s senior fast bowlers, his ability to strike early and maintain pressure with the new ball could be vital against a strong Australian batting line-up.

Despite Bangladesh being his home and the country where he has spent most of his international career, Taskin revealed that Australia holds a special place in his heart when it comes to bowling.

“Australia is my favourite place to bowl,” Taskin said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The fast bowler’s affection for Australia is understandable given how long he has admired the country’s legendary pace bowlers. Taskin has followed the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins for years and now has the opportunity to share the field with them.

“I have been watching all of them, Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins, even Boland also doing well. If I have a chance to chat with them, definitely I will do,” he added.

Taskin’s connection with Australia goes back to his teenage years. He travelled there for the 2012 Under-19 World Cup and subsequently returned for the 2015 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup. However, despite making his international debut against Australia in a T20I in Mirpur 12 years ago, he has never played an international match against them on Australian soil. That long wait is finally set to end in the upcoming Test series.

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Taskin’s excitement is not merely about finally playing Australia in their own backyard. It also stems from his childhood admiration for Australian cricket. Fourteen years ago, during his first visit to Australia, Taskin dismissed Travis Head. More than a decade later, he could find himself opening the bowling against the same batter in a Test match in Darwin.

For Taskin, the occasion carries enormous significance. Bangladesh have played Test cricket in Australia only once before, with their previous series coming in 2003. As a young boy, Taskin watched that tour from home. Now, he is preparing to be part of Bangladesh’s next Test assignment in the country.

“From my childhood, I’ve been watching Australia team players, like great fast bowlers, legendary players. Really now I have the opportunity to play against them. So I’m really excited,” Taskin said.

The fast bowler also acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge awaiting Bangladesh.

“We are really honoured to be here to be playing the Test series against Australia. No doubt Australia is one of the biggest teams in the world and playing in Australia against Australia in Test cricket, it’s a really proud moment for every one of our players,” he explained.

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