Bangladesh’s national cricket team is currently undergoing intensive physical and technical preparations in the United Arab Emirates as they gear up for a historic maiden Test match in the Gulf nation. Having arrived in Dubai on 1 October, the squad spent several days training at the ICC Academy before completing a two-day warm-up match against a UAE selection side, which ended in a draw. While Bangladesh have previously contested numerous Limited-Overs Internationals under floodlights in the region, adapting to the grueling conditions of a five-day day-match presents a formidable challenge.
Daytime temperatures in Dubai have soared, with the real-feel index approaching 45 degrees Celsius. Managing heat exhaustion and high humidity has become a central focus for the management and players alike as they adjust to playing prolonged spells under the blazingly hot sun. Fast bowler Ebadot Hossain shared insights regarding his personal acclimatisation routine, emphasising the necessity of rigorous hydration strategies, including consuming large quantities of water, electrolyte drinks, coconut water, and fresh fruits like watermelon during meal times.
Beyond standard nutritional adjustments, Ebadot revealed a unique physical grounding technique he employs upon arriving in extreme environments. He spends between thirty minutes to an hour walking barefoot across the outfield during initial training sessions. This process, he explained, helps establish a direct connection with the ground and assists the human body in adapting rapidly to local weather patterns and high surface temperatures. His practical advice is aimed at helping younger generations of Bangladeshi cricketers, such as the Under-19 team traveling to Oman for a series of fifty-over matches against Afghanistan and Oman.
In their two-day warm-up fixture against the UAE, Bangladesh produced a solid operational performance despite the demanding climate. Batting first, Bangladesh were bowled out for 234 runs in their opening innings, anchored by Soumya Sarkar’s top score of 57. Supporting contributions came from opener Shadman Islam with 46, Nayeem Hasan with 36, and veteran Mominul Haque with 33. In reply, the host side were dismissed for 222 in 53.5 overs, with reserve fast bowler Iqbal Hossain taking 4 wickets and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claiming 3. Ebadot himself delivered a disciplined spell, taking 1 for 38 in 9 overs.
During their second innings, Bangladesh posted 114 for 3 in 26.5 overs before the match concluded. Senior batsman Mushfiqur Rahim scored a fluent 44, while Shadman added another useful 32 runs to his tally. The match served as crucial preparation ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming lone Test match against Afghanistan scheduled to commence in Abu Dhabi on 9 October.
