West Indian cricket legend Sir Andy Roberts finished his playing career in 1983 but could not stay away from cricket. At 68, he is still working with young players. In 2001, he came to Bangladesh to work with young pace bowlers and staying at BKSP, he liked the bowling style of Mashrafe Mortaza.
He came close to Mashrafe and knew the young Bangladeshi player by his nick name, Koushik. In November 2001, Zimbabwe came to Bangladesh and Roberts, in a report to BCB, recommended the name of Mashrafe for the test team.
In Taunton, Roberts watched the Bangladesh-West Indies match and talked to Bangla Tribune on Sunday (Jun 16).
Following are excerpts from his interview:
“When fans do not get what they want, there will be criticism; Koushik’s career is long, he is possibly the most intelligent cricketer in Bangladesh.
Mashrafe plays different roles to ensure victory for the team; his patriotism is a shining example of his determination.
“I am surprised how Mashrafe can play on after seven surgeries on his knee. He had to endure a lot of pain.”
Regarding the scarcity of pace bowlers in Bangladesh, Roberts said: “Once, Bangladesh did not have any pace bowlers but Koushik was eager to learn. The climate and wicket of the sub-continent are not favourable for pace bowlers.
The career of fast bowlers now a days is short; to be a pacer, one has to be disciplined and industrious.
There is no alternative to hard work, added Roberts.