Mashrafe: Inspiration of a fast bowling generation
Published : 04 Oct 2019, 19:18
78 wickets in 36 Tests, at an average in the early 40s, may give the impression of a run-of-the-mill cricketer, but Mashrafe's impact goes far beyond numbers. Like Fazal Mahmood during Pakistan's early years as a Test nation, Mashrafe inspired a generation to dream of bowling fast. His impact as a fast bowler and inspirational qualities as a captain have often been reminiscent of Kapil Dev - though Mashrafe himself balks at such comparisons. And he gives little thought to rankings and his legacy.
Many of Bangladesh's young fast bowlers have, like Mashrafe, come from small towns. Rubel is from Bagerhat, approximately 130km south of Narail, and he fondly remembers the day he clean-bowled Mashrafe in a local tournament. Robiul Islam and Al-Amin Hossain too looked up to Mashrafe. Many other young fast bowlers have spoken of his influence and all agree that it was Mashrafe bhai who showed them that a pace bowler from a remote town can go on to have a successful career.
Robiul, Bangladesh's only fast bowler to win a Man-of-the-Series award in a Test series, grew up in Satkhira, approximately 100km south-west of Narail. "Mashrafe bhai tells me about fitness, about bowling, about recovering from injury," he said. "I sometimes think about how shy I felt when I saw him for the first time; I couldn't even talk to him. Now I get to interact with him. I feel lucky."
Jurgensen remembers how Mashrafe charged the team up in 2012 after they had lost the Test series to West Indies at home. Mashrafe hadn't been part of the Test squad but when he joined the side for the five-match ODI series, the dressing room turned into a place of fun and laughter.
"A series-changing day for us as a team was prior to the West Indies ODI series in October 2012," says Jurgensen. "We spent the day in his home town. It was just an amazing experience to see how popular he is, with thousands of people following us." Jurgensen says the team-bonding experience was a major factor for the victory that followed.
It has been close to 15 years since his debut but Mashrafe still approaches the game like that wide-eyed 17-year-old who burst on to the scene in 2001.
"At the start I played for the joy of the game," he said during our second interview at the National Cricket Academy. "I remember, I used to think that they will show me on TV. If this is my last match, at least everyone at home will see me play. Now it has been almost 15 years. Now is the time to open your heart when playing. I haven't done anything big. But I give it my all in the field, despite my injuries."
Speak to many who know him and it is clear that Mashrafe hasn't changed much over the last two decades. Many insist that he remains the same animated, endearing teenager who was obsessed with exploring Narail and all that it offered.
A word that easily attaches itself to Mashrafe - whether talking about his childhood, his teenage years or his adult life - is danpitey, Bengali for a naughty daredevil. That side of him came to the fore during his wedding reception in 2006, when Mashrafe was so eager to show the guests around his home town that his friends and family struggled to keep him on the stage with his bride. He had to be stopped from climbing a coconut tree, and against many people's wishes, insisted on taking a cruise in a boat. Once, riding a motorbike, with Abdur Razzak pillion, he took his hands off the handlebar and spread them apart on reaching the Chitra Bridge. Mashrafe occupies space on billboards and has sponsors lining up to endorse him but when in Narail, he is the joker of the pack, wisecracking with his friends.
His attitude and approach to cricket have remained the same over the years. He still dives head first to save a boundary, even when a roller is perilously close. He still runs in full steam, even when carrying an injury. He has been part of the team during its darkest days. And was the captain during their most successful phase. Bangladesh cricket has seen many superstars and breathtaking talents. But they are yet to see - and are unlikely to ever see - anyone so inspirational and yet so down to earth. And for that they are grateful.
Author: Mohammad Isam
Source:Espncricinfo