Bangladesh cricket team training at Cantiague Park in New York.

T20 World Cup 2024 : Bangladesh readies for the transition to drop-in pitches

Shakib Al Hasan spent the most time batting in the nets.

In preparation for the transition to drop-in wickets, Bangladesh began their training with a three-hour net session at Cantiague Park in New York on Thursday (May 30).

The introduction of drop-in wickets in New York was a significant point of discussion prior to the team’s departure for the USA, as the tourists were not accustomed to them, unlike some other teams in the event.

Following the abandonment of their first warm-up game against the USA due to bad weather in Dallas, Texas on May 28, Bangladesh is eager to capitalize on their practice match against India at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on June 1.

Bangladesh is slated to play two of their group matches of the T20 World Cup in the USA – against Sri Lanka in Dallas on June 7 and against South Africa in New York on June 10 – before heading to St Vincent in the West Indies for their remaining two games.

Led by Najmul Hossain, the team arrived at the venue nearly two hours after the scheduled time, with particular focus on Shakib Al Hasan, who batted for an extensive period in three different sessions.

Following Thursday’s practice session, a member of the team management informed Cricpulse that the players enjoyed their time on the drop-in wickets at Cantiague Park, located over five miles away from the main ground.

“There were no complaints from the cricketers regarding the behavior of the drop-in wicket, and everyone tried to spend as much time as possible to adapt to its bounce and turn,” said the team management member.

“The drop-in pitches were satisfactory; the ball came onto the bat well.

“There was some extra bounce, but batters enjoyed them.

These drop-in wickets have only been installed for a short period, so once they settle, they will be very good,” he added, expressing uncertainty about how the wickets will behave at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh can be relieved as Taskin Ahmed, who recently started bowling with a shorter run-up after recovering from a back injury, was observed bowling with higher intensity.

Bangladesh will have another practice session before they face India, who arrived at the ground following the departure of the Bangladesh team.

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