Mominul Haque accepts captain’s call to focus on bowling for Bangladesh

Mominul Haque (Photo by Md Manik/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Mominul Haque, Bangladesh’s left-arm spinner and batting allrounder, has accepted Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s request to develop his bowling role for the national team. The move aims to provide rotation and relief to Bangladesh’s frontline spinners during upcoming Test matches.

Mominul has spent extended net sessions bowling under the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s High Performance Unit coaching staff while most of the Test squad was competing in a tri-nation ODI series in the UAE. His last Test appearance came on August 13, 2026, against Australia, and he last bowled in a Test match in 2023, when he took figures of 3 for 4 against New Zealand at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

“He (Mominul) knows how to bowl, and if he can bowl few overs in the middle, it can be really helpful for the team. Taijul bowls a lot of overs, and in between if he can get some rest due to Mominul, it will help him come back fresher. Furthermore, it will also bring some variety as both of them are different types of bowler,” said the member of the team management as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Why is Mominul focusing on bowling?

Shanto explained that Mominul’s bowling could also provide an alternative to offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz, allowing the frontline spinners to manage their workload more effectively. The captain recognised that while pace bowlers are typically used to rotate spinners, managing the physical demands of fast bowling requires careful consideration.

“He can also replace Miraz for that matter, if the offspinner bowls a number of overs at a stretch, or in a day. Usually, we bring pacers to replace the spinners, but you also have to understand the workload of a pace bowler,” the member said.

What is Mominul’s commitment to the bowling role?

Mominul has embraced the opportunity with full commitment, viewing it as a chance to contribute meaningfully rather than simply fulfilling a part-time bowling duty. Shanto emphasised that Mominul’s acceptance came without hesitation and that the allrounder is determined to make an impact through his bowling variety if given the opportunity in Test cricket.

“Shanto (Test captain) asked him whether he can also focus on his bowling and accepted the offer with both hands. He now wants to make sure he just does not fulfill his duty by bowling with the mindset of a part-time bowler. If an opportunity arises for him to bowl in a Test match, he can pick a wicket or two through his variety,” the member said.

Bangladesh’s two-match Test series against West Indies begins on October 28, 2026, at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, providing the first opportunity for Mominul to implement this bowling focus at international level.

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