Bangladesh spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed believes that leg-spinner Rishad Hossain has a bright future in red-ball cricket. Speaking at a press conference on Monday ahead of the second ODI against the West Indies at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Mushtaq said, “One hundred percent, I expect him to play Test cricket.”
Rishad is already a regular in Bangladesh’s T20I setup and has recently been considered for the 50-over format as well. However, he is yet to make his debut in Test cricket.
Mushtaq, who has been working closely with the young leg-spinner, thinks Rishad could be an effective weapon for the captain, particularly against the opposition’s tailenders, as he continues to refine his googly.
On Saturday, Rishad took 6 wickets for just 35 runs in 9 overs during the first ODI against the West Indies. Several of his dismissals came off wrong’un deliveries.
Highlighting that performance, Mushtaq said, “The last four wickets of the opposition, especially against teams like Australia and England who can bat deep, are very important. A leg-spinner who can bowl a good wrong’un with Rishad’s height and bounce can be very lethal.”
Mushtaq added, “The last four batsmen cannot read his wrong’un. He can be very good for Test cricket, but he has to earn that place by bowling good overs.”
Rishad has played 21 first-class matches since making his debut in 2018, taking 31 wickets at an average of 45.38, including two five-wicket hauls in domestic red-ball cricket.
