Domingo relishes facing 'world-class' Shakib

Many world-class batsmen from around the world struggle playing against the spin of premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. And it was no surprise to see Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo, 46, who has no experience playing even first-class cricket, having a tough time while facing Shakib during training at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (ZACS) in Chattogram yesterday. 

"It was a great challenge. He is a world-class bowler. It was good fun and was also nice to lighten things up and it has been a good one on one with him," the South African coach remarked on the experience after Bangladesh's practice session on Monday. 

While the members of the Bangladesh Test squad were enjoying a day-off at the port city of Chattogram yesterday, star all-rounder Shakib turned up at the ZACS with the coaching staff for a training session.

Shakib, who is recovering from a groin injury, spent time at the nets alongside head coach Russell Domingo and batting coach Jon Lewis.

Shakib was kept under observation for 48 hours after the left-armer had left the field following the injury in the final ODI against the West Indies. The incident took place when he came in to bowl the fifth delivery of the 30th over. Having bowled the delivery, he collapsed in pain. The physio attended to the ace all-rounder and after Shakib got up, he could not go through any lunges or jogs and left the field.  

And even though Shakib is not yet fully fit, Domingo remained confident that Shakib will be ready to play in the first of two Tests against the West Indies starting from February 3 in Chattogram. 

"Preparation for him has not been easy after picking up a groin niggle in the last ODI. He has gone through his rehab. He is still not quite at a 100 per cent but he has got another day or so [to recover and practice] and we are pretty confident that he will be ready for the first Test starting on Wednesday. He has worked really hard in his rehab, he has bowled a few balls in the nets and he has hit a few balls. He is not feeling too much discomfort," said Domingo.