BCB turns to Kookaburra for balance between bat and ball
Three of the four matches of the first round of the National Cricket League ended in draws, harking back to a time when the competition frequently produced dull games.
That was not the case over the last three seasons though when the ball dominated the bat in the majority of matches, barring those played on placid tracks. The biggest change this season has perhaps been the reintroduction of the Kookaburra ball.
Last season, after securing the NCL title, Rangpur skipper Akbar Ali had told this newspaper that a ‘result-oriented wicket in the last round’ had helped them secure the result they needed to win the title. The Dukes ball came into play from the third round last season, and its overall effect was telling. Pacers were able to get the ball to move almost until the 60th over, while batters faced tough examinations during morning sessions.
BCB chief selector Habibul Bashar feels it is still too early in the tournament to identify a pattern or conclude that the NCL is returning to its old ways, but believes the spinners might have more of a say this season than the pacers due to the introduction of the Kookaburra.
With a strong fast-bowling unit dominating national cricket and batters somewhat struggling, the BCB wanted to create more balance between bat and ball. The conditions, however, seems to have had a rather extreme effect.
“We asked for 6 mm grass and that’s what’s being used. But it feels like it was too hot and the grass dried up pretty quickly. The ball change, though, is a significant factor since with Dukes we would see more wickets fall, as happened in the last three seasons. It is not wrong to try something different or new because bowlers are getting tested. We are a subcontinent side and have to learn to play in such conditions. I think it’s important to have that balance,” Bashar added.
Rangpur certainly did not have it easy against Dhaka in Mirpur, with Akbar having to steer them to safety after three wickets fell for no runs on the third day. If even mediocre bowlers were getting the ball to swing and seam to a great extent with the Dukes, the Kookaburra has made things more challenging for bowlers.
“You need a bit of skill with the Kookaburra,” said Mukidul Mugdho, last season’s leading wicket-taker among pacers with 29 wickets. “Out of my six fifers [first-class], I got three with Dukes, two with Kookaburra and one with SG. Yes, with Kookaburra, despite the help, that little bit of effort and skill is needed. It’s a bit challenging since you need the right length and have to create pressure. I think it’s going to bring a balance. Hasan [Mahmud], Shoriful [Islam] got fifers in Australia with Kookaburra, so you just add to your skill,” he said.
The hot conditions and the switch to Kookaburra are set to present different challenges. Good or bad, the change is preparing domestic players for new skillsets, despite the three draws in the first round.
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