Opening batsman Imrul Kayes is looking to play a big innings and cement his position in the Test squad during the last Test match against Zimbabwe in Chittagong beginning on Wednesday. Imrul was included in the squad for the final Test of the series in place of Shamsur Rahman, who could accumulate only 33 runs in the first two Test matches. Shamsur also grassed several catches, especially in the first innings of the second Test, which could have been fatal. His failure opened the door for Imrul, who had just recovered from a skin infection and also hit some form, scoring a century in a one-day tournament in India.
Sectors also had considered his performance in the last Test Bangladesh played in Chittagong when he, alongside Shamsur, scored a century against Sri Lanka earlier this year.
Imrul appeared jovial for being able to return to his favourite ground where he also scored two crucial half-centuries against England and Netherlands during the World Cup 2011.
‘I have always played well here,’ the left-hander said on Sunday.
‘I played well in the World Cup as well as during the last series. That confidence will always be there and I hope to use that during the Zimbabwe series,’ he said in Chittagong.
Imrul, however, did not give too much importance to his recent century in India’s Acharaya Memorial, which was a one-day tournament. The left-hander said that he must adjust to the Test match now, having missed last three Tests for his illness.
‘I got the confidence for one day cricket, but I think Test cricket is different. I have to adjust no matter where I play,’ said Imrul.
‘I last played Test cricket at St Vincent before I became sick. I can’t think about that century in India. That won’t do me any good here,’ said Imrul.
‘I have been in and out of the squad. I have to adjust that,’ he added.
Imrul is relishing his opportunity to reunite with Tamim Iqbal, with whom he once had a settled opening stand. Bangladesh could not find a permanent partner for Tamim after Imrul lost his place and was thrown out of the squad.
‘Opening is a challenging spot and there is always a change here,’ said Imrul. ’Every country goes through changes in their opening slots.’
‘One person can’t stay at one place for a long time. I think if someone plays well here, he should be able to continue that. I think the only way one can establish their spot is if they continue playing well here,’ he added.
-With New Age input
