Bangladesh Cricket has taken a step forward in adopting modern training technology with the introduction of a spin bowling machine for the first time.
The machine was used during the national team's skill camp for the upcoming New Zealand (NZ) series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the capital's Mirpur on Monday, aiming to enhance batsmen's ability to face spin bowling.
Previously, bowling machines available in the country were primarily used to simulate pace bowling and short-pitched deliveries.
Cricket enthusiasts believe the addition of a spin bowling machine will bring a new dimension to practice sessions, offering a more realistic and varied experience against spin.
Such machines are widely used in international cricket, particularly in countries like England, Australia and New Zealand, where they help compensate for the limited availability of quality spin bowlers in training environments.
Speaking to the media, Cricket Operations In-charge Shahriar Nafees confirmed the procurement of the machine.
"This bowling machine is called Merlyn by Bola. It had been under discussion for a long time and was ordered recently," he said. "Due to its heavy weight, it was transported by sea instead of air."
The machine is capable of delivering three types of spin - off-spin, leg-spin and arm balls, Nafees added.
"The length and pace of deliveries can be adjusted, and it can be operated both manually and automatically. In automatic mode, it can deliver 25 to 30 balls in a sequence," he explained.
According to officials, the modern spin bowling machine was purchased at a cost of approximately £10,000 (around Taka 1.6 million). It is expected to play a significant role in improving the batting skills of Bangladeshi cricketers against spin in the coming years. �"BSS
