A new journey for Tigers

Bangladesh are set to embark on a new journey as they start another cycle of the World Test Championship with a home series against Pakistan. The first Test of the two-match series starts today at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram.

The Tigers are still a struggling side in the elite format of cricket, despite them playing Tests for more than 20 years. And the unavailability of a few senior cricketers has made them even more vulnerable in the longer version of the game.

Mahmudullah Riyad finally announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday and Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal are unavailable due to their injuries, leaving only Mushfiqur Rahim available for this series.

Mominul Haque, the Test captain of Bangladesh, expressed his frustration to see several seniors unavailable for Tests, but he is hopeful about carrying on with younger fellows.

“The lack of senior players is disappointing. But we can’t get stuck at that. It is a new opportunity for the new players. We are playing a Test match after a long time, so it is also another opportunity to get that exposure,” he said in the virtual pre-match press conference on Thursday.

Mominul will also not have guys like Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed at his disposal, players who also have a fair share of experience but are missing out due to injury.

“Tamim bhai gives us good starts that we have often capitalised on. Shakib is two players in one. Taskin has been bowling well recently. Mustafizur hasn’t played a Test in a long time. We are missing out on four players. It makes my captaincy a bit more challenging, but Mushfiq bhai and I have to take on the added responsibility. But it is a good opportunity for the youngsters.

“It is a challenge for a young captain like me to head into the new WTC cycle with a young team. We have always required senior players on the Test side. Shakib bhai, Tamim bhai, and Taskin are regular players. But it is a continuous process. We have to move on. We cannot be disappointed all the time. I firmly believe it is a huge opportunity for the younger players,” he said.

Even though Mominul has seven Test hundreds in this ground, he is not heavily dependent on memories but expects a fair batting track.

“I don’t think about my previous record here or anywhere. I just plan to bat four or five sessions first and then take it from there,” the Bangladesh skipper said.

Saif Hasan, who played five Tests for Bangladesh, was suddenly picked for the Twenty20 series against Pakistan, where he scored just one and duck in his two innings before getting dropped.

That could make way for uncapped Mahmudul Hasan, who is considered a backup opener.

“I think it is difficult to talk to me about this. I am not the T20 captain. I don’t have anything to do with it. We have taken Joy as a backup opener. If he plays, he will play as an opener,” Mominul said.