Srinagar, January 5: A volleyball player turned cricketer , Ebadot Hossain has lead Bangaldesh to its historic record breaking Test win in New Zealand over hosts on Wednesday.
Ebadot who works in Bangladesh Airforce was star performer as Bangladesh beat Kiwis.
Ebadot’s figures for the tourists in New Zealand’s second innings were six for 46, winning him the man-of-the-match honours and signalling his development as a cricketer had entered a new phase.
In the first innings he took one for 75 — more in keeping with his career average of 81.54 from 11 wickets in 10 Tests before arriving in New Zealand.
Ebadot was employed several years ago as a volleyball player by the Bangladesh Air Force, were he also learned the importance of the salute which he delivers with each dismissal.
“I am a soldier of Bangladesh Air Force so I know how to do the salute. It was a long story, from volleyball to cricket. I am enjoying cricket, representing Bangladesh and Bangladesh Air Force.”
With New Zealand starting their second innings 130 in arrears they were struggling at 147 for five when play resumed on the fifth morning with Ebadot having taken three wickets for no runs in the space of seven balls.
New Zealand needed veteran Ross Taylor to produce something magical, but he was undone by an Ebadot one-two — an out-swinger followed by one that came back and hit the wickets.
Although there is some guile to his play, the raw Ebadot still needs help with field placings and lengths, and also with his confidence.
“He’s a joy to work with because he’s enthusiastic and he wants to learn so much. When his confidence is high he can bowl spells like this,” Gibson said.
Wicketkeeper Liton Das also expressed support for giving the talented quick time to mature.
“We have to consider that Bangladesh play Tests infrequently so he doesn’t get to play regularly. Fast bowlers don’t have everything under their control,” he said.
“I am hopeful that he will keep proving himself in the future too.
“This is only his 11th Test. A cricketer needs 15-17 Tests to understand the game.”
With inputs from CricWick.