Taskin prioritises fitness to fetch World Cup spot

Taskin is currently recovering from an injury. © Getty

Bangladesh pace bowler Taskin Ahmed believes he can still make it into the World Cup squad by regaining fitness ahead of the global tournament. Taskin had earlier returned to the national fold when he was picked for the New Zealand tour following his performances in the Bangladesh Premier League where he picked up 22 wickets in 12 games. But an ankle injury sustained in one of those games while attempting a catch at the boundary line ruled him out of the tour.

"To be honest, World Cup is my priority because it is my dream," Taskin said. "I don't know what will happen after waking up tomorrow morning. I am not thinking very far. The priority is to be 100% fit and get a chance in the World Cup squad. I played the 2015 World Cup and still I feel good recalling those memories."

Following the injury, Taskin was advised three weeks of rest to recover fully while a rehabilitation program was also put in place.

"I will have the second running session today and I hope to bowl gradually if everything runs smoothly," he noted. "The intensity of running is increasing and so far I am pain free. I will start bowling from this month as that is the plan of the physio team working with me.

"According to our plan, I will return back to competitive cricket during the super-league phase of the ongoing Dhaka Premier League. I may start (bowling) earlier if the progress seems good. Whatever happens, I'm trying to start after fully finishing the rehab."

The 23-year-old said praised the board and the team management for checking his progress and keeping in touch following the injury. "Actually, the board officials have been communicating with me after the injury," he said. "They often follow up... how much I progress, what is the present status etc. These things inspire me even more. Our team's captain and senior players also keep in my touch. Any injured player will get motivated with such treatments."