Every time a national star gets back to his first-class side after a long break, it creates a unique environment for that divisional side and its younger players. It happened with Sylhet Division on Friday when Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Nasum Ahmed got back to training again for their first-class side at Sylhet International Stadium’s outer ground. The energy and intensity suddenly went up while both of them started bowling in the nets. Daily Sun’s Muhammad Jubair caught up with Sakib moments after the training session, where the all-rounder spoke about his red-ball ambitions, his love for first-class cricket and much more.

daily sun : How does it feel to come back to first-class cricket after a break?

Tanzim Hasan Sakib: I feel it, to be honest. We also felt it when we were new in first-class cricket and saw senior players. Even at BKSP, when I saw the likes of Zakir Hasan, I felt inspired and wanted to be like them. I grew up this way, so I believe I feel it, and I think they feel inspired too.

daily sun : There was a time when National Team players didn't play first-class much, but now most of them play, unless the board requires a rest. Many also play out of keen interest, like you and Nasum Ahmed. Does this signify the improvement of our first-class cricket standard?

Tanzim: Definitely. When there's more competition, it helps. For example, when I bowl in the nets, and first-class bowlers are bowling too, they see me challenging the batsman, and they think, "I should do this too." It creates a competitive spirit, and everyone wants to improve. If I only look above me, I can improve, but if I look below me, I won't. So, when they see that I’m hitting a high standard, they want to improve and reach that level. This pushes me too. When I see Taskin Ahmed bowling well, I feel motivated to bowl better. I think they are also inspired. I really enjoy playing first-class cricket. It's like a home for cricketers. I enjoy it a lot, and I try to play whenever I get the chance.

daily sun : What other things do you personally feel should be introduced into our first-class structure? You've played international cricket for two to three years now. What does your experience tell you?

Tanzim: I would say, if you concentrate on the whole thing, I would say the wicket. If the wickets are good, the batsmen will score runs automatically, and the bowlers will also be able to bowl in good areas. Today, when I was bowling, the ball was spinning and keeping low. It was difficult. When it keeps low like that, I'm doubtful about where to bowl on the back foot. It's difficult. If the wicket is good, I believe the batsmen will bat confidently. I saw Dishan here today batting very well. He has a lot of potential. So, there is definitely talent here. We also came up playing here. So, definitely, if the wickets are good, our whole country's cricket will improve, just like India's has. In their first-class cricket, 400 and 500 runs happen regularly, while here, teams get out for 150-200. What's the difference? Our batsmen have the potential. When we play against them in ICC events, we are on par. But they come from 200-250 run innings in first-class, and our batsmen don't have that experience. Yet, we beat them sometimes. I think if the wicket is changed, everything will change.

daily sun : You've seen two phases in your first-class career: the Kookaburra ball and now the Dukes ball. The Dukes was introduced consistently for the last three years. Do you think the Dukes introduction has affected the overall standard, especially the batting standard?

Tanzim: It's definitely a challenge for the batsmen. A huge challenge. I was surprised today by the amount of movement I got off the ball, which usually doesn't happen. It's a big advantage for the bowlers and a challenge for the batsmen. I think the board did this to challenge the batsmen and prepare them mentally for Test cricket, as this is essentially Test cricket practice.

daily sun : The target was eventually to promote pacers, which has happened. But Bangladesh is not using Dukes for Tests, they still use the Kookaburra or SG. Which balance do you think is better?

Tanzim: If the batsmen face the challenge here, they will bat easily with the Kookaburra there. That is what I think.

daily sun : Do you think there should be more of that Cox's Bazar type of wicket? We didn't have many flatter wickets before. Now we use the Dukes, and runs are tough to come by. Where is the balance?

Tanzim: The balance is difficult to achieve. The decision rests with the board members and those who make the decisions.

daily sun : The dressing room environment. Coming from international cricket, what is the environment like here with the Sylhet side? What kind of discussions happen?

Tanzim: I think it's quite similar. To be very honest, it's quite similar. It's very positive here. There's not a lot of negativity. Everyone is positive, and the experienced players—like Zakir Hasan—have huge experience. They share their knowledge with us. They have much more experience than us with the red ball and white ball in domestic cricket. So, I also ask them questions and try to learn from them.

daily sun : And bowling with the red ball must have helped you regain shape for the white ball in the long run I’m guessing.

Tanzim: When you play red-ball cricket, it's the best place to correct your line and length. You can bowl for long periods, there isn't much pressure, and you can work on your skills. So, I take this as a great opportunity when I play first-class cricket.

daily sun : So it’s always good to start the new session with a red-ball game.

Tanzim: Yes, of course. We just had a long break, and honestly, it was getting boring at home. It’s good that we have this match; it’s nice to get back into it. I’m happy to play, and Test cricket is definitely every cricketer’s dream. I got an opportunity, then it went away. If I get another one, I'll play again, Inshallah.

daily sun : You looked up to Dale Steyn growing up. Is there anyone you admire from the current era?

Tanzim: After Steyn, in our time, the ones who have come up, like Bumrah – he bowls well in Test cricket. Rabada also bowls well.

daily sun : What specific things do you try to take from them?

Tanzim: Their skill, actually. The off-the-pitch movement and pace they generate. I follow that closely and try to implement it. I bowl around 135 to 140 km/h, and they bowl around that speed too. But their off-the-pitch movement makes the ball nip around a lot, which is very difficult for the batsman. So, I'm trying to see how I can achieve that skill.

daily sun : You are more like a hit-the-wicket bowler…

Tanzim: Yes, I am a hit-the-wicket bowler. I have to hit the wicket; I have no other option. I’m not a swing bowler like Hasan Mahmud. I'm more like a Taskin Ahmed.

daily sun : Regarding the off-the-pitch movement you mentioned, what do you think is the biggest factor in achieving that?

Tanzim: I think it’s the seam position. The seam position, and sometimes with the new ball, it doesn't happen that often, but the scrambled seam. I'm trying to work on that. I'm trying to learn from Rabada, who is very good at it.