Published: Sep 08, 2017, 02:02 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 08, 2017, 02:02 PM (IST)
Though Bangladesh registered their first win against Australia in Tests in the recently concluded series, there were instances where flaws were evident, especially the way Bangladesh batted. Mushfiqur Rahim, the captain, is one of the most skilful batsmen in the team and while many may have spoken about him batting down at No. 6 and not up at No. 4, the skipper cum wicketkeeper has said it is physically draining for him, given he has to keep the wickets full-time. Besides being one of team’s most dependable batsmen, Mushfiqur has to lead the team as well as keep the wickets, which now seems to be a lot in his plate. READ: Australia win 2nd Bangladesh Test; level series 1-1
“It is a difficult question for me,” Mushfiqur revealed to ESPNCricinfo. “It was a tactical move on our part but if you are talking about me, I would say it was not my sole responsibility to bat at No. 4 after keeping for 120 overs. I can’t go out to bat at No. 4 when we are batting first and then move to No. 6 if we are batting second. It doesn’t happen anywhere. You can take this risk once or twice and it might not even click in those occasions.”
Mushfiqur also made it clear that both his batting position and wicketkeeping duties have been assigned by Bangladesh management.
“It is not up to me. It was not my decision not to keep wickets in Sri Lanka. I don’t have any problem keeping wickets. I want to contribute to the team in any way possible for as long as I play. It doesn’t matter if I am not the captain or the keeper. I will give my all if I am told to be the 12th man. I will do as the team management says. You better ask this question to the higher authorities. It would also make things clear for me.”
