6:00am Monday 30th August 2010
By Michael Reeves
WHEN Shakib Al Hasan arrived at New Road, Worcestershire found themselves with the backing of a nation.
For the first time in county cricket, Bangladesh entered the fray with their world’s number one one-day all-rounder.
At just 23, Shakib was here to show the world just how far his country has come in the world of cricket.
The national side has already made big strides, but could a Bengali Tiger cut it in one of cricket hardest domestic leagues?
Shakib has shown that he can and tops the County’s bowling averages after just six games.
With the Tigers’ vice-captain shining for Worcestershire, his countrymen have been keen to see just how well his has been doing.
The Worcester News has seen an influx of visitors from Bangladesh to its website, while the cricket club itself also say internet traffic to their official site from sub-continent has vastly increased too.
My Twitter page, michaelreevesWN, has a number of followers from Shakib’s home country, while his County debut was headline news.
“Media outlets in Bangladesh were giving regular updates when Shakib made his debut for us,” Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton said. “It was headline news.
“Shakib is a superstar back home and the first Bangladeshi to play county cricket and the fact that he has done so well is really pleasing.”
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