South Africa and Bangladesh Emerging Team played an ODI series last April. The High-Performance (HP) cricketers took control of the series by winning two of the three matches. Pace bowling all-rounder Tofail Ahmed played a major role in Bangladesh’s victory in the first match of that series.
However, after winning the match, bad news came. Due to injury, Tofail could not play in the remaining matches of the series. After recovering from the injury, he joined HP’s training camp. He practiced hard to get himself back to his previous form. Bangladesh ‘A’ team is going to play in the Top End T20 tournament in Australia this month. Tofail is also going to play for the team.
The ‘A’ team cricketers will leave the country in the first half of the day tonight (Thursday). Tofail told Dhaka Post about the upcoming tour, ‘I didn’t think about it that way (about getting a chance in the team so quickly), I was still in the HP process. At that time, I was thinking that there was a white-ball game ahead, I could get a call. Later, I practiced and gradually camped. Now, I am thinking about what is ahead (the series).’
Regarding the advice he received from Bangladesh ‘A’ team captain Nurul Hasan Sohan, Tofail said, “Sohan bhai saw me and told me that you are taking the pressure. I am not asking you to win the game, we will win the game. You will just stay on the field and nothing else. But of course they (coach-captain) have made big plans for me. That is why they have kept me in the team, I will try to give my best.”
The pace all-rounder also claims that it is easier to learn about your work from the captain, ‘When the captain gives you a specific role, the work becomes easier. When I understand what my role will be, it becomes easier to perform. This is a positive sign for me. Everyone has received me positively, the atmosphere in the dressing room is great.’
Tofail hopes to be one of the top three players in Australia as well as to become a champion, ‘I would like to be among the best performers. I would like to be one of the three players in the team. Then my path forward will be easy, that is what I should do. Our team is very experienced, there are quite good cricketers. There is no reason why we cannot win the trophy.’
FAQ
Who is Tofail Ahmed?
Tofail Ahmed is a pace-bowling all-rounder from Bangladesh who plays for the High-Performance (HP) and ‘A’ team squads.
Why is Tofail Ahmed in the news?
He’s returning to competitive cricket after recovering from injury and will represent Bangladesh ‘A’ in the Top End T20 tournament in Australia.
What is the Top End T20 tournament?
It is a competitive T20 cricket tournament held in Australia where emerging teams, like Bangladesh ‘A’, participate.
What role did Tofail play in the previous series against South Africa Emerging?
Tofail played a key role in Bangladesh’s first win of the series with a strong all-round performance before being sidelined by injury.
What are Tofail’s goals for the tour of Australia?
Tofail aims to be among the top three performers in the tournament and help Bangladesh ‘A’ win the trophy.
