Ebadot shares tips to beat UAE heat ahead of Afghanistan Test
Fast bowler Ebadot Hossain shares his unique preparation routine to cope with extreme 45°C temperatures as Bangladesh prepares for their maiden Test in the UAE.
Bangladesh fast bowler Ebadot Hossain has outlined a unique physical routine to deal with Dubai’s punishing heat as the Tigers gear up for their maiden Test match in the United Arab Emirates. With temperatures feeling close to 45°C, the speedster believes that proper acclimatisation and hydration are absolute essentials for success in the demanding conditions.
Sharing his strategy in a video sent by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Ebadot revealed that his preparation begins well before taking the field. The pacer drinks plenty of water and fluids, consumes more fruit, and relies on coconut water to stay fully hydrated throughout the challenging assignment.
Unlike previous limited-overs assignments in the country, which were held as day-night fixtures, this upcoming challenge requires enduring a full five-day Test played during the intense daytime heat. To bridge this gap, Ebadot explained an unconventional yet effective grounding routine upon arrival.
After touching down in the UAE, the right-arm fast bowler walks barefoot on the ground for up to an hour on the first day of training. He noted that this simple practice helps create a vital connection between the human body and the soil, allowing the body to adapt to the weather much more quickly.
The squad arrived in Dubai on October 1 and spent initial sessions at the ICC Academy before playing a two-day practice match against the United Arab Emirates. Although the fixture ended in a draw, it provided the players with valuable time in the middle and a direct experience of the searing daytime temperatures.
During the practice match, Bangladesh were bowled out for 234 in their first innings following a 108-run opening stand, with Soumya Sarkar top-scoring with an unbeaten 57. In response, reserve fast bowler Iqbal Hossain Emon spearheaded a spirited fightback by claiming four wickets for just 30 runs, restricting the UAE to 222.
Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam chipped in with three wickets while Ebadot Hossain and Khaled Ahmed grabbed one scalp each, as Bangladesh secured a narrow 12-run first-innings lead. The Tigers finished the second day at 114 for three in 26.5 overs, with Ebadot bowling nine overs and conceding 38 runs.
The team will now travel to Abu Dhabi ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan starting on Friday, September 9, with players returning from the Asian Games expected to join the squad. For Ebadot and his teammates, mastering the extreme UAE climate will remain just as critical as technical execution.