Can Ash be a good bowling option in test cricket?

[WarWolf]

We have some good spinners. But unfortunately all of them are SLAs and they need favourable conditions to do well. Among them only Enam is big turner of the ball and some times can extract uneven bounce. But still he is ineffective if the condition is not pretty much suitable. We have seen this in the first two days of the ongoing test match. Ash is a good leggie who can be effectively used. Though he is a bit expensive but he has the ability to get turn and bounce to surprise the batman.

I don't know why our think tank never considered him as an option. I hardly can remembered that our captains turned towards him being desperate to get a break through. What your opinion guys?

[cricman]

Wait till Ash is Captain, he will bring himself in alot more

[capslock]

Yes, around when Razzak becomes a dependable middle order batsman.

[mali007]

To break partnership Ash. definitely a good choice and as captain he already proved his
brilliancy on the first day of the on going test!! Both set batsmans Rahul & Kartick were
dismissed by his prudent bowling changing and field placements !!! So, Ash should be the CAPTAIN
for both one day and test matches for the forthcomming SL tour.

[Protic]

Capslock : nah man..Ashraful can be a good bowler.. maybe not deadly..but effective.

[WarWolf]

If you look at Ash's first class bowling stats, you will find it's not bad. In 70 first class matches, he took 85 wickets at average 31.54, econ rate 3.53 and a best bowling figure of 7/99.

[istiak]

He was a lot more bowler in his early days but not bowling much latly. Problem with him is his control.One or two fulltoss in every over is for sure.

He need to practise a bit of his bowling before really try it on internation arena.

[istiak]

I think he got much better chance to take wkt in ODIs than test matches.

[Alien]

Ash is a batsmen and he should stick to it and look to improve his consistency. We already have 3 spinners/slow bowlers in the team. No need for a fourth.

[Murad]

he could become a good bowler..but he has to bowl a lot.. bashar doesnt let him bowl... if he doesnt bowl then how he gonna improve..

bashar doesnt give the bowl to aftab as well... sometimes 1 or 2 overs.. thats all.. aftab shud also bowl a lot.. so he can improve...

[Sovik]

he bowled well for rainhill too

[Nafi]

we dont need a spinner we need a another fast pacer

[WarWolf]

Originally Posted by Dr_Naf
we dont need a spinner we need a another fast pacer

But we cannot change Ash's bowling type from spin to pace. Here we are talking about the bowling options that are available at present with the current lineup. In this respect he is a good option.

[FagunerAgun]

Originally Posted by capslock
Yes, around when Razzak becomes a dependable middle order batsman.

And Saqib and Mehrab Jr. will become super pitch-pest - once you get them on the pitch, very defficult to bowl them out.

[layperson]

Originally Posted by capslock
Yes, around when Razzak becomes a dependable middle order batsman.

[Nafis_BD]

I think Ash can be a good bowler if he works hard for it but right now I want him to concrete more on his batting and his vice-captaincy although I think he is doing a great job and I am sure he will do the same when he is the captain!!!!

[habfreak]

I've practiced with Ash at the Dhnamondi indoors..and i remember him turning the ball even on cement pitches! he was around 14/15 then...not sure why he stopped bowling more...but I think we can turn him into another Sakib if he gets more match practice!

[Kabir]

I have high expectations from two guys...Ashraful and Rajin. Both of them can be effective, and can be used as good bowling changes in our innings.

The problem with our bowling lineup is that, they're too predictable. Jayawardene said after beating us: "we know Bangladesh's bowling strengths and weaknesses; when they do well, their 5 bowlers turn into 7, and when they do bad, they turn into 2/3". I don't think there's any scope here to disagree.

What we need is two part time bowlers, who can be used for 3/4 overs in each match, and can be used to give breakthroughs. It's even better if its of Ashraful or Rajin's quality...coz I truely believe they have the ability to turn the ball well.

One other option is Aftab, but he really needs some decent practice before he can be used.

[gatekeeper]

I have always advocated Ash as utility bowler but in ODIs only. He's actually a decent leg spinner. But we must be careful that it doesn't effect his batting.

[zahid]

Well, you see ... this is another of Habla's wonderful Captaincy!

[Antora]

Originally Posted by WarWolf
If you look at Ash's first class bowling stats, you will find it's not bad. In 70 first class matches, he took 85 wickets at average 31.54, econ rate 3.53 and a best bowling figure of 7/99.

wow 7/99???? I wonder y he doesnt ball anymore????? maybe him n bash r lyk enamies!!!

[Rubu]

If Ash can handle the pressure of Captaincy and bats well, I'm more than happy. I don't care if he bowls or not.

[Rifat]

in my cricket captain 2006 simulation game, ashraful is a sick bowler, hopefully in real life...

[cricket_king]

I think ashraful BELIEVES he can bowl well. Evidence of that was on the first day when he decided to bring himself on as soon as he had the opportunity. If he believes he can do well, then by all means, let him bowl. Once he's captain I'm sure he'll bring himself on often and we'll see just how effective he is.

[WarWolf]

I would like to see him bowling a few overs in the 2nd inning. Let's see if Bashar gives him the chance.