Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim asked his team to set aside the recent controversy surrounding the proposed two-tier Test system and concentrate on the immediate work at hand as they prepare to begin their home series against Sri Lanka today at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The recent developments in international cricket, which may deny Bangladesh the right to play Test cricket, remain one of the focal points in the dressing room, according to players.
The proposal put forward by India, Australia and England to revamp the ICC would relegate Bangladesh to the Intercontinental Cup, depriving them of Test cricket until 2019.
‘There is no use thinking of something that is remaining outside,’ Mushfiq told reporters in Mirpur on Sunday. ‘It is not in our hands. What we have is tomorrow [Monday]; there is an important match and we are totally concentrating on that.’
‘We are concerned about the match and are planning to execute our plans tomorrow [Monday].’
Mushfiq denied that the situation provided his team with any extra motivation.
‘For us every Test is special. It is not any extra inspiration, but at the same time it is our first series this year so we are very excited. All the boys are looking so good and hopefully we will have a good start and carry on with it.’
Mushfiq said that he was confident after a decent performance in the last tour against the Sri Lanka.
‘We played very well in Sri Lanka, but we lost the Test series. We couldn’t play to our potential in the second Test,’ said Mushfiq.
‘We have now improved our batting in the first innings and put up good totals. A lot of things happen in the second innings, but we have planned ahead this time. We are well-prepared, so hopefully this will be an interesting series.’
Mushfiq said that his pace bowlers would be key to combating Sri Lanka’s batting strength.
‘Their batting strength is much heavier than their bowling,’ said Mushfiq.
‘The challenge will be for our pace bowlers, who are yet to play to their full potential. I hope they keep on improving as they have in the last 12 months.’
‘I am sure we can take 20 wickets. We should take the most help from the wicket and grab the chances that come our way. If the pace bowlers give us a good start, then our spinners can come together and bowl them out twice.’
‘We are playing to win, so if our performers raise their hands, anything is possible.’
Mushfiq also said that he wanted a fighting mentality from the Tigers.
‘We want to continue on the consistent cricket we have played at home, and if we do so over five days, even a loss wouldn’t feel bad.’
The captain also outlined his personal goals for the series.
‘I want to continue on the consistency. This is the first Test of the year so I hope that if I get set, I can go on to get a big score. I want to make as much of a contribution for the team as possible.’
-With New Age input
