Nahid Rana leads fitness test as big names struggle

Fast bowler Nahid Rana set the pace in Bangladesh’s latest fitness trial on Sunday, comfortably winning the 1600-meter run at the National Stadium, while a few established names fell well short of the mark.

The new strength and conditioning coach, Nathan Keily, has ditched the familiar Yo-Yo and beep tests in favour of two straightforward measures — a timed mile and a 40-meter sprint, according to a press release.

It was a change that seemed to suit Rana, who crossed the line in 5 minutes 31 seconds, the fastest of the 22 players on show.

 “Rana was just outstanding,” a member of the team management said after the session. “Some others did well, but a couple of cricketers couldn’t meet our expectations.”

Mehidy Hasan Miraz finished second in the first batch at 6:01, followed by Mushfiqur Rahim — now retired from ODIs and T20s — in 6:10. In the second group, Tanzim Hasan Sakib posted 5:53, ahead of Shahadat Hossain Dipu (6:00) and Parvez Hossain Emon (6:13).

But the day was less encouraging for Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Tanvir Islam and Shamim Patowary, all of whom needed close to eight minutes to finish.

Six players from the 25-man preliminary squad were absent, including T20 captain Liton Kumar Das and Towhid Hridoy. Four others are away with the ‘A’ team in Australia.

The squad will continue fitness work before shifting to Sylhet on August 20 for skill training ahead of the Netherlands T20Is and the Asia Cup in the UAE.