Ruyel makes Kookaburra sing

The Kookaburra ball may be more batter-friendly in Bangladesh, but Barishal Division pacer Ruyel Miah believes his ability to swing it both ways helped him overcome the challenge and claim the first five-wicket haul of the 2026 National Cricket League.

Playing against Khulna Division at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, Ruyel finished with 5-80 from 27.5 overs as the hosts were bowled out for 426 in their first innings. He had taken three wickets for 38 runs on the opening day before adding two more on Sunday.

Ruyel dismissed Khulna captain Mohammad Mithun for 89 and later completed his five-for by removing Abdul Halim, while Anamul Haque and Nurul Hasan were among his other victims.

“In the context of Bangladesh, the Kookaburra tends to be a little more batting-friendly. So bowlers have to think a lot and work hard,” Ruyel said.

The left-arm pacer, however, feels his mastery of both inswing and outswing gave him an advantage.

“Basically, one thing that has worked well for me is that I can swing the ball both ways. Alhamdulillah, I have mastered both inswing and outswing. That is why I felt it was quite easy for me,” he said.

Ruyel credited his experience in England for improving his swing bowling. He worked with foreign coaches, played in the county league and featured for English clubs, where he faced cricketers from different backgrounds.

“After going to England, I worked on my swing with foreign coaches. I also played in the county league and for English clubs. I regularly played matches there against different foreign cricketers,” he said.

The pacer also had to work particularly hard for his fifth wicket as Khulna’s pitch became increasingly favourable for batting.

“After taking four wickets, I had to work really hard for the fifth. There was not much help from the pitch, and it had become quite batting-friendly,” he said.

“At that point, I stuck to my own plan, discussed it with the captain and executed it properly to get the wicket. After taking my fifth wicket, I thanked Allah.”

Khulna had resumed Sunday on 328-5, with Afif Hossain unbeaten on 44 and Samiun Basir Ratul on six, before losing their remaining five wickets for 98 runs.

Ruyel credited his experience playing in England for helping him develop his swing bowling. He worked with foreign coaches, played in the county league and featured for English clubs, gaining experience against different types of cricketers.

“After going to England, I worked on my swing with foreign coaches. I also played in the county league and for English clubs. I regularly played matches there against different foreign cricketers,” he said.

Ruyel also highlighted the demands of bowling long spells in Bangladesh, saying he is capable of regularly delivering 28-30 overs in an innings.

He had to work particularly hard for his fifth wicket as the pitch became increasingly batting-friendly. After finally reaching the milestone, he performed a sajdah in gratitude.

“I stuck to my own plan, discussed it with the captain and executed it properly to get the wicket. After taking my fifth wicket, I thanked Allah,” he concluded.