Emboldened by its tremendous victory against England at home, Bangladesh Test skipper Mushfiqur Rahim stayed upbeat about their chance in a condition alien to them. Tigers captain rues of playing lesser Test in first 16 years
Mushfiq always ready to take challenge
Bangladesh to play highest number of away Test matches next year
Sports Reporter
Emboldened by its tremendous victory against England at home, Bangladesh Test skipper Mushfiqur Rahim stayed upbeat about their chance in a condition alien to them.
Knowing the Englands traditional vulnerability against spinners, Bangladesh made a turning pitch at home to confound them and successfully executed the plan to draw the series 1-1. Victory against England was their first win against a top flight opposition barring low profile Zimbabwe and West Indies which fielded a second string side following the clash with their board. That landmark victory ahead of completing the 16 years in the crickets elite level though still makes the critics susceptible about Bangladeshs progress.
As Bangladesh would play most of the Test in overseas condition in the next year, question raised whether they could continue the dream run in a format where they are always find them in hapless position.
Mushfiqur was aware that the coming year would be tougher for them considering that they would play highest number of Test matches in that year, something is rare in their history. He and his players always blamed lack of matches hinders their progress in the longer version and as the opportunity has come, now its the time for them to show what they are capable of.
The Test captain said they are not in a position now to break down easily whatever the condition is and the 2017 would year for them to set a milestone.
We know how challenging the year 2017 would be for us. We are ready to take the challenge, said Mushfiqur yesterday as Bangladesh completed their 16 years to the Test cricket.
The more you will play, the more you will gain experience. In the last 16 years, we didnt get enough Test matches to bolster our experience. We had to start afresh in Test cricket always. Thats not good for a country. Look at Mominul Haque, he is playing just in one format. So when he plays Test cricket, it is tough for him to keep up the consistency. The similar things happen to all of us.
We have never played 9/10 Tests in a year. This year well get that. So its obviously a challenge to keep us fit and interested. We have lot to prove in fact. We have to prove we know how to play well in overseas condition. The batsmen should have to take much responsibility. Its a year for us to set the milestone. We have to back our ability.
Bangladesh would play their first overseas Test against New Zealand after two years since their Test series against West Indies in September, 2014.
While the spinners gave the side a famous victory against England, exploiting the condition, the New Zealand condition would be vastly different. The seam bowlers would have to step up if Bangladesh wants to take 20 wickets to win a Test there.
Mushfiqur believed their fast bowlers are capable enough at the moment to take 20 wickets in seaming condition.
During the World Cup in Australia-New Zealand, out pacers had done well, you know. This time well get a bowler like Mustafizur Rahman who can do well in any condition. If he is fit well and others can play to their potential, its no tough for us to take 20 wickets of New Zealand. But our batsman must give some runs in the board so that they bowlers can defend it, Mushfiqur pointed out.
What excites Mushfiqur about Bangladeshs bright chance in the coming year is that the number of performers. Bangladesh never got such a huge number of performers in the last 16 years. Mushfiqur said, the team now starts playing as a unit which indicates a rich future for them.
I have been the captain of the side for the last few years. When I took the captaincy I saw a few numbers of performers. Over the years, it got increased and we started playing good. Its good sign for us. We are hoping for the best.
