Rubel Hossain came onto the national stage after clocking 82 mph during the pacer hunt in 2005 and, as a young fast bowler with a slingy action and raw pace, he made his first international appearance with high expectations.
Rubel has witnessed both sides of the coin -- be it dealing with injuries, lack of consistency and even some off-field issues -- and has emerged stronger for the experiences.
It took nine years and 81 ODIs for Rubel to become the second Bangladesh fast bowler after Mashrafe Bin Mortaza to take 100 wickets, but to do justice to his ability he would have wanted to achieve the landmark a lot earlier.
The new year however brought new hope for Rubel in a different role as a third seamer in the side, a role which is more challenging and demanding for a fast bowler who has the ability to bowl fast. Although Rubel still prefers to bowl with the new ball, the cricketer from Bagerhat is preparing himself to be available for the captain at any stage of the game.
"Of course, I feel like bowling with the new ball. I worked a lot on bowling with the new ball. When the situation dictates -- like when a bowler is charged by a batsman [early] -- I come on to bowl, and that has happened in many matches, and by God's grace I have done well. So according to the situation, the captain can use me whenever and wherever I am needed," a shy Rubel, who is not known for his ease in front of microphones, opened up and elaborated on his new role before the training session at the Sher-e-Bangla National stadium in Mirpur yesterday.
Rubel came on to bowl in the 21st over in the first game of the tri-series against Zimbabwe on Monday and remained wicket-less in his first spell, but later picked up two wickets off consecutive balls in his second spell and ended with figures of two for 24 from his five overs.
According to Rubel waiting to be introduced into the attack rather than opening the innings produces some nervous energy.
"There is a bit of nervous energy when I do come on because I know I have to deliver a breakthrough. But even then, it depends on the situation. Mashrafe bhai bowls with the new ball, then if the wicket is spin-friendly and there is a left-right batting combination, a spinner is brought on," he said.
Rubel, along with Mashrafe, Abul Hasan and a few other fast bowlers have credited Champaka Ramanayake, who was the Tigers' bowling coach between 2008 and 2010 and is back now working as the fast bowling coach of the BCB's high performance unit. Rubel says he is working on some aspects of his bowling and Champaka is playing an important role.
"I have many lackings. There are many deliveries that I have not mastered. Such as the yorker at the death -- it's good now, but I still want it to be better. Then there is working more with the new ball. Then there is the run-up and follow-through. I am working on these things with him and it helps," he said.
It may have taken nine years to reach 100 wickets for Rubel and when he informed that his aim was to have 300 by the end of his career it was asked whether it would be possible, given the time he took to get to 100. "There is no sin in hoping, is there? People live on dreams -- there is no problem if I do too," said an optimistic Rubel.
