When action betrays words

Before every series in 2017, Taskin Ahmed spoke about his bowling, about how he is improving his skills and about how he looks forward to executing these traits.

However even though Taskin is consistent in his pre-series ruminations, the speedster consistently fails to deliver those ideals on the pitch when the time comes.

Therefore it comes as no surprise that the speedster once again informed reporters yesterday about what he hopes to accomplish in the upcoming ODI tri-series followed by Sri Lanka that will feature two Tests and two T20Is at home next year in January.

"We are doing drills on our skill such as keeping the seam position right and are working according to our individual skill like in-swing, out-swing and in-cut. We are working on improving the skills along with the accuracy," the fast-bowler said.

If this statement raises hopes of a turnaround though it should be noted that these utterances are nothing new, the following are some of his previous assertions:

Ahead of his Test debut against New Zealand earlier this year:

"The BCB support staff and coaches really helped me get to this stage. I trained in a specific programme, which included building my bowling workload for the last 18-24 months. I am in the Test squad because I became fitter, and I don't want to stop after just one game. I want a regular place in the team."

Taskin picked up two wickets in the two Tests at an average of 143 and also scalped four in the three ODIs with an economy rate of well over six runs in the ODI series.

Before the one-off Test against India:

"We are not thinking whether it is a flat or bouncy wicket, rather we are focusing on how to bowl on different wickets. It's important because we have played in New Zealand while the pitch here is different. In New Zealand the ball carried to the keeper in good height from the length delivery but here it is a bit slow. The practice match will help us to adapt."

He picked up three wickets at an average of 56.66 in the Test match where he bagged 2 for 43 from seven overs in the second innings.

Ahead of South Africa series:

"The pacers have to step up and take responsibility, because I believe if the pacers don't bowl well here, then it will be impossible to even fight in the match.  Consistency and patience is important along with swing bowling to get success in Test cricket."

Taskin remained wicketless in the first Test and was dropped from the second but scalped two in the three ODIs with an economy of 8.25. He also remained wicketless in two T20I with an economy of 12.40.

Ahead of the home series against Australia:

"Courtney Walsh is a legend and if we cannot learn from him, then there is some failure on our part. He has 519 wickets in Tests and that is something which is more than a dream. He tries to teach us new things in every practice session. I am trying to take as much from him as possible and that is our responsibility," he said while adding that he has been trying out new techniques without compromising on pace.

Taskin was not included in either Test.

Only time will tell if the pacer stays true to his words this time around.