‘Unusual action makes him difficult to read,’ Shakib hails ‘unique’ Usman Tariq

Ace Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan praised Pakistan mystery spinner Usman Tariq, describing the bowler as "unique" after facing him during the International League T20 in the United Arab Emirates.

Speaking during an interview on the "We Are Shakibian", Shakib dismissed suggestions that Tariq’s unusual bowling action irritated batters at the crease. 

Instead, the veteran all-rounder insisted the challenge was simply part of cricket’s long tradition of mystery bowlers.

“No, not really,” Shakib said on Saturday when asked if the action frustrated him.

“I had faced him before in the Caribbean Premier League as well. Initially, it can be difficult to adjust to that type of action, but after facing a few deliveries, you gradually adapt.”

The 38-year old admitted, however, that batters encountering Tariq for the first time may struggle to read the variations coming from his unconventional style.

“For someone facing him for the first time, it can be a bit difficult,” he explained.

The Bangladesh icon compared Tariq with some of cricket’s most famous mystery spinners, saying unusual actions have always been part of the sport’s intrigue.

“Unique bowlers appear from time to time,” Shakib concluded. “There was Ajantha Mendis, and players like Muttiah Muralidaran. These kinds of mystery bowlers do come along occasionally.”