‘Most important is to get mental support’ – Salahuddin on Aliss Al Islam after action report

Bangladesh High Performance Unit coach Mohammed Salahuddin expressed hope that spinner Aliss Al Islam would be able to make the changes to his bowling action, but emphasised that it would serve little purpose if it impacted how effective he could be with the ball.

Aliss made his debut in the ODI Tri Series match against Afghanistan, where he bowled 8.3 overs, conceding 47 runs. After the match, he was picked up by match officials over the legality of his action, and has been ased to undergo tests by the ICC.

Cricbuzz understands that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has asked Salahuddin to work with Aliss ahead of his assessment at an International Cricket Council (ICC)-accredited laboratory, which he is required to undergo within 14 days of the report. The BCB has informed the ICC that it plans to send the bowler to Chennai for the assessment.

As reported by Cricbuzz, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) plans to send the bowler to Chennai for the ICC assessment in an accredited laboratory, which is to be done within 14 days of the report. The board has assigned Salahuddin to work with Aliss ahead of the assessment. Salahuddin has worked with multiple bowlers in the past on similar grounds, and stated the importance of mental support for the player.

“Actually this time is the most important for any person to get mental support as it is much more important than his technical issues. I feel very bad for the last two days because since I am practicing with another team I am not able to give him time. Nothing cannot get bigger for a player not being able to play cricket and so it is our moral responsibility to help him mentally and it is our moral responsibility to support him. I am seeing his progress and I am very hopeful that he will fix it soon,” he said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

He also elaborated that the main factor in such situations is ensuring that the player’s bowling remains effective after the changes, a common factor which impacts bowlers who have worked on their actions.

“And one thing we need to keep in mind is that maybe I fixed him but his ball is not as effective unlike the past and there is no point in that. Only [Abdur] Razzak has managed (to keep his efficacy) even after fixing his action. So we actually have to keep two things in mind, that is, to ensure that he has effectiveness and that he is mentally strong, and that we also have to support him. But I am hopeful that he will be fine,” Salahuddin said.