Published: Feb 02, 2017, 11:35 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 06, 2017, 05:36 PM (IST)
Bangladesh‘s Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim has refused terming the maiden Test against India, on their soil as a “historic” one. He stated that he feels it is more important to treat the game as an opportunity to show Bangladesh’s measure in world cricket. He also hopes that a good performance in the one-off Test will prompt the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to invite them more frequently. The last face-off between both sides in Test cricket ended in a rain-affected tame draw in 2015 when India were on the road. The upcoming one-off Test will be played in Hyderabad from February 9. The 15-member squad does not include the name of their rising star Mustafizur Rahman who will be missing the tour as he is not fully fit. The team is scheduled to play a two-day practice match against India A, whereas the Test will be held in Hyderabad from February 9-13. This will also mark Bangladesh’s first Test in India since gaining ICC Full Member status in 2000. Interestingly, it was the BCCI’s push that was vital in their ascent from Associate Member, and India played against them in their inaugural Test on November 10, 2000. India toured Bangladesh four more times to play Tests thereafter. Full Cricket Scorecard: India vs Bangladesh, one-off Test at Hyderabad
“I’m a little surprised, I don’t believe that this is a historic Test. Take for example when we play against Zimbabwe. The pressure is more because if we lose against them then there is nothing more shameful than that. I will say that it is better that we are going there now and not five years ago. We want to tell world cricket what we can do in India. I don’t think about how many years later we are going to play in India. We want to play in such a way that India invites again and again. This to me is just another Test match”, Mushfiqur was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo..
Mushfiqur, who has returned to the Test squad after missing Bangladesh’s last game in New Zealand due to a finger injury, hopes the team puts together a collective performance. Bangladesh ended a disastrous tour of New Zealand as they could not win a single match and were whitewashed in all formats.
“I hope that the recent performers will hold on to their form and put together a team performance. And to those who haven’t done well in the recent past, you have a chance to give a good account of yourself. A team effort will give us a good result. They have a strong squad, and are always really good in their home conditions. We want to do well against them over five days, and not just two or three days,” stated Mushfiqur.
Mushfiqur said Bangladesh’s squad is balanced, with four pace bowlers and three specialist spinners and depth in the batting department. The return of Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur himself means that Bangladesh have their full batting strength back. Soumya Sarkar and Imrul are likely to be in competition for the role of Tamim Iqbal’s opening partner, while Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan and Sabbir Rahman will be expected to pile up runs in the middle order.
“No matter what conditions they offer, we have a balanced side. We have enough pacers and spinners and depth in batting. I think our batsmen will have a challenge in their hands against their world-class attack. As a bowling unit we are inexperienced, but one or two bowlers did do well in New Zealand. If we can perform as a team we can do well against any other good team”, concluded the 28-year-old.
