'Want Bangladesh bowlers to learn old-ball bowling' - Allan Donald

Bangladesh are set to take on Sri Lanka in a two-Test series at home starting May 15 at Chattogram. Ahead of their clash, hosts' fast bowling coach Allan Donald has expressed views about wanting his inexperienced bowlers to make good use of the old ball. 

The former South African pace bowler, who has been associated with the Bangla Tigers since March, wants to impart knowledge of reverse swing to the likes of Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam during the span of this series.

According to ESPNCricinfo, Donald explained how he wants the young bowlers to make use of the older ball. Donald said, "The biggest thing here is old-ball bowling. Today (May 12) was all about the old ball. Every training session, I have emphasised a lot on getting the ball to reverse, and be really patient and creative with the old ball. I don't have to tell these lads about bowling on their conditions. They know what to expect. But the overall patience, and persistence, and creativity that we bring is going to be testing."

Regarded as one of the legends, the South African revealed what bowling approach would work well against the visitors in the upcoming days. He explained," I have realised this week that your length needs to be a bit fuller with the new ball. We have to get the best out of it in the first 30 overs. Getting Sri Lanka 40 for 3. The other thing is ball-conditioning. It is very sweaty and humid. Typical sub-continental conditions."

Known as white-lighting, he praised Bangladeshi youngsters for upping their game over the past few months. "These kids want it, that's the great thing. My way of coaching is mindset, mental, attitude and creativity. At this level, these things run (parallel). Every single training session is to buy into creating pressure," Donald added.