Compared to Bangladesh, England are a superior side across formats but pacer Taskin Ahmed believes that his team can offer a stiff challenge in the upcoming white-ball series at home. England are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on February 24 for a white-ball series comprising three ODIs and as many T20Is, to be played in Chattogram and Dhaka from March 1.
Bangladesh have won 13 out of their last 14 ODI series at home - their latest being a 2-1 win against India - and their only defeat came against England when they lost to them by a 1-2 margin in 2016. Bangladesh have also won three out of their last five T20I series at home since 2020, including series wins against Australia, New Zealand and Zimbabwe while their two-match T20I series against Afghanistan ended 1-1. Their only T20I series defeat during this period came against Pakistan in 2021. "Certainly it won't be easy against them (England) and they are a bigger team (compared to us) in every format. But we have the belief that we are a very strong side in our own backyard and we expecting to fight with them," Taskin told reporters on Wednesday (February 8). "Everything cannot go by logic and I feel whoever plays good cricket on a particular day will will win. Certainly if you consider everything then they (England) are far ahead than us but at the same time because we are playing at home we can expect to win the series."
Taskin said that newly-appointed head coach ChandikaHathurusingha, who is currently in Australia, has already started preparations by sharing his plans with the team regarding the upcoming home series against England. Hathurusingha, who completed his first tenure with Bangladesh from 2014 to 2017, is expected to arrive in the country on February 20 to begin his second stint.
"We are excited that Hathurusingha is returning. He is a very good coach and an honest man, and I am sure we will do well under him. Those who were young at that time have matured now and we are also in a good shape as far as the team is concerned," said Taskin. "He has spoken with everyone and he is keeping in touch with everyone. He is sharing his plans and explaining the roles.
Taskin added that he has started his rehabilitation programme as he is recovering from an hamstring grade one tear that prevented him from taking part in the Bangladesh Premier League since January 30. "I have started my rehabilitation programme and completed my training in the morning. I am moving as per the plan of the board and I am hoping within a short time I will start bowling with a short run up," he said.
