As Bangladesh prepares for its inaugural Test match in the United Arab Emirates, starting October 9 in Abu Dhabi, fast bowler Ebadot Hossain is employing unique preparation techniques to withstand temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius. While the team has previously played white-ball matches in the region, this represents their first experience navigating the specific physical demands of a Test in such extreme heat. Ebadot feels it is important to adapt to temperatures approaching 45 degrees celsius and insists he follows a process to make sure he can handle the challenge of the heat. Bangladesh pacer Ebadot Hossain insisted that ‘walking barefooted’ on the field helps him adjust to the heat and humidity as they prepare to take on Afghanistan in the upcoming one-off Test in Abu Dhabi, scheduled from October 9. “It is important to know (in advance) what the humidity is like, what the heat is like. According to what I did after coming here, the first day I practiced I walked barefooted on the field for about half an hour to an hour,”, Ebadot.
Ebadot shared that he has been walking barefoot on the field for up to an hour daily since arriving in Dubai on October 1. According to the pacer, this practice facilitates a connection with the ground that allows the human body to adapt more efficiently to the intense environment. He emphasized that this acclimation process is vital for managing the humidity and heat, adding that he began targeted preparation 48 hours before the team’s two-day warm-up match against the UAE.
Beyond physical conditioning, Ebadot is prioritizing aggressive hydration to maintain his fitness. He noted that he has been consuming large quantities of water, coconut water, and various fluids while off the field, alongside an increased intake of fruits. These measures are designed to ensure he remains physically prepared for the rigorous demands of the upcoming five-day format.
The squad’s tour has included initial sessions at the ICC Academy followed by the warm-up game, which concluded in a draw. In the first innings, Bangladesh posted 234 runs, led by Soumya Sarkar’s 57, with Shadman Islam, Naeem Hasan, and Mominul Haque contributing 46, 36, and 33 runs respectively. The UAE were subsequently bowled out for 222, with reserve pacer Iqbal Hossain claiming four wickets and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam taking three. During the second innings, Bangladesh reached 114 for three in 26.5 overs, highlighted by Mushfiqur Rahim’s 44 and Shadman’s 32. Bangladesh bowled out the UAE for 222 in 53.5 overs in their only innings.
