Like the other cricketers, Taijul was also stuck at home for months. During that period, he was unable to practise his bowling using the world class facilities maintained by BCB in some selected spots, as they were off limits during the pandemic. Currently he is availing the individual and small group practice programme.
“I have made a small change in bowling action. The new bowling action matches my body perfectly. Now, I can bowl for a longer period without any problem,” Taijul told the media after his practice on Tuesday.
“I have been bowling for a few days which is helping me to grow my confidence. I believe, within the next few weeks, it will increase more. It was tough to bowl and do well in every format of the game with the previous action. The new action is giving the opportunity to try more variation. Our spin-bowling coach (Daniel) Vettori assuredly said the new action will help me become a better bowler in future,” Taijul added.
The 28-year-old spinner also said that he is already getting variation from his new action which is offering challenging times to the batsmen in the nets.
Taijul represented Bangladesh in 29 Tests, 9 ODIs and 2 T20Is. He has bagged 114 wickets in Tests but only a handful in the shorter versions. In Tests, especially at home on dusty pitches, Taijul is always a potential matchwinner. And he has actually delivered on quite a few occasions in the last 3 years or so.
The record indicates Taijul's old action itself was quite successful; like a gunslinger with a low centre of gravity, the amount of turn he would get was dictated by his hip rotation through the crease. But the low point of release limited his options to flight the ball. He also had no arm ball, usually considered vital to a left-arm orthodox spinner's repertoire, if he is to put a batsman in two minds.
Bangladesh national team members are currently gearing up for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka for a three-match Test series. However, the series is still not confirmed due to the strict regulation of the Sri Lanka government to prevent the spread of the Covid-19.
As per the regulation of the government of the island nation, everyone who enters Sri Lanka has required 14-day quarantine. But Bangladesh asked for a shorter period for the national team. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has said that they are not going to travel to Sri Lanka if a shorter quarantine period is not assured. On the other hand, Sri Lanka said they are still discussing the matter with the health department.