After more than two years away, Bangladeshi fast bowler Ebadot Hossain will make his comeback to international cricket in the forthcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. During a home series against Afghanistan in 2023, he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that has prevented him from playing for almost 16 months. Now, after undergoing five operations, Ebadot talked exclusively with Cricbuzz about his jungle adventure. These are the quotes:
It’s your second year back in the Test squad. How did the process of becoming better go?
To be honest, it was really difficult. My knee was operated on in five different places. ACL or meniscus injuries are common among fast bowlers, but I had five knee surgery. The recuperation procedure was challenging and drawn out. I don’t want to think back on the difficult days of rehab. I am grateful that I have conquered those steps, even though it was a really unpleasant experience. Taking a two-year break from cricket is difficult. Thankfully, I’ve returned.
How long is two years? Did you ever have any reservations about it?
I am a person who never gives up. Knowing that I wasn’t the first person to recover from injuries, I faced the task. I always thought I would see it through to the end. After a major operation, I needed 16 months to heal, whereas others would need 12 months. Although it is difficult to refrain from playing, I never had the will to give up. Additionally, my doctor informed me that the recovery process would be lengthy and that my recovery would be contingent upon my recovery. It would take less time if it were a little surgery, but I knew I would return. I never thought I would give up.
How much time did it take to begin bowling? You began bowling in the BPL, correct?
After my rehabilitation before that competition, I resumed bowling and went back to playing competitively with the National Cricket League.
Can you bowl in perfect rhythm now?.
It’s critical to heal the physical and mental wounds. It would prevent you from bowling in complete rhythm if you couldn’t get it out of your thoughts. How do you feel about that?
Indeed. My knee started to give me trouble when I started bowling again in October or November. My knee felt weak, and I was worried about getting hurt during NCL. I had some discomfort to give my full effort. But now, especially since BPL, I have no problem and fear. I can bowl in full rhythm. The way Nathan (Kelly) trained me in India, the program he designed for me increased my strength in the knee and removed the fear from my head. Now I don’t feel that I had surgery on my knee.
Bangladesh Cricket Board has invested a lot for you with a lot of hope. How does it come to you, as a pressure or a motivation?
Look, I can still dream of playing because of the BCB management. After my injury, BCB management didn’t delay my treatment. I was injured during the ODI series against Afghanistan in 2023. Head Coach Chandika Hathurusingha wanted me in the Asia Cup squad, but my knee didn’t permit as the swelling was increasing day by day. The BCB president and management didn’t delay them as they sent me to London quickly and the surgery took place the next day.
Later, BCB management sent me to India for rehab. They never let me feel that I am out of the team environment. Alhamdulillah, still they are maintaining it. Fahim Sir (Nazmul Abedin, BCB cricket operations chairman) called me and said that they had the belief that I would make a comeback. He added that they knew about my work ethics as I have always been a disciplined boy. Actually, the cricket board should be given credit as well for my recovery, otherwise it would be longer.
Bangladeshi pace bowlers have made lots of improvements in the last two years. How do you see this pace attack now?
I have been saying for a long time that there has been a healthy competition among the fast bowlers since 2022. It is definitely a good sign for the team. I think this healthy competition should be in every department of the team, so that everyone improves their skill. Our fast bowlers have improved a lot, and they have so little difference between them that you can start any of them in any format. As a part of the fast bowling department, I want this competition to continue in the national team, ‘A’ team, HP team and other teams. I feel very good overall.
Can this be termed as ‘the second life of Ebadot’, returning after two years?
To be honest, my career has been paused since 2023. I had a goal to start from where I paused. I want to restart my career. I want everyone’s blessings.
What will be the challenges in Sri Lanka as they usually produce flat wickets?
You have to face challenges in every pitch of the world. Even the green tops are not easy for the fast bowlers. So, no matter how the wicket is, we, the fast bowlers, spinners and the batters, have to face the challenges. And we are not a very weak team. I think we are ready to take on any challenges.
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