Hasan Mahmud has opened up on the striking differences between cricket in Bangladesh and England after a stunning county debut for Kent, in which the Bangladesh pacer claimed nine wickets across two innings and was named player of the match in a 140-run victory.
Among the biggest adjustments has been adapting to the Dukes ball, which Hasan described as a wholly different experience from the Kookaburra used in international cricket back home.
“Bowling with the Dukes ball is really special. In international cricket I was used to the Kookaburra. Here I have the Dukes ball, different surfaces and conditions — I am very excited and happy,” he said in an interview organised by Kent Cricket Club.
The English conditions also demanded a tactical shift in his bowling. “Here the ball comes fuller than in Bangladesh. So you have to bowl a fuller length to get more movement and more wickets. I am trying to adjust,” he said.
Beyond the ball itself, Hasan was struck by the overall standard of facilities. “Cricket-wise everything is the same. But there are more facilities here — more wickets, more nets, the conditions are better and the weather is different,” he said.
Hasan typically opens the bowling for Bangladesh in Test cricket but was used as first-change by Kent, a decision he understood given the unfamiliarity of the conditions. “In the Bangladesh team I always bowled with the new ball in Tests. But here the plan was to bring me on after the first change so I could settle into the conditions, since it was my first time playing here. They made it easier for me,” he explained.
His performances spoke for themselves regardless of the role. Taking three wickets in the first innings before adding six more in the second, including a five-wicket haul, Hasan helped Kent to a dominant win and earned widespread admiration within the dressing room.
He singled out dismissing England international Liam Livingstone twice as his most satisfying moment. “I got a few good ones, but I would say Livingstone’s wicket was my favourite. I got him out twice. It was amazing. He plays for England,” Hasan said.
Receiving his debut cap from Kent captain Daniel Bell-Drummond was another proud moment. “He bats brilliantly, is a very good player and has served Kent for years. Getting my debut cap from him was something special. He is a good person and backed me throughout the match,” he said.
Hasan will play one more match for Kent against Middlesex before joining the Bangladesh squad for a Test in Zimbabwe, followed by a two-Test series in Australia in August. He has already confirmed a return to Kent in September for four further first-class matches.
“Yes, yes. I will come back in September and play the remaining four first-class matches,” he said.
