After Khaled Mashud’s long stint, Mushfiqur Rahim came into the scene to stand behind the stumps. But unfortunately the Bogra lad has yet to prove his worth as a wicketkeeper, rather his inconsistent performance caused a concern for the team think-tank, especially ahead of the 2011 World Cup where Bangladesh is one of co-hosts along with India and Sri Lanka.
Given this circumstance, many were curiously watching Jahurul Islam’s hard work donning his wicketkeeping gloves at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Is there any message for Jahurul to be considered as an alternative ‘keeper?
“Actually I’m working hard with my keeping because I want to give best service as a wicketkeeper if needed. I also enjoy keeping,” said Jahurul.
The 23-year-old batsman was also looking forward to establish himself as an all-rounder, akin to Adam Gilchrist and Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
“I’m taking wicketkeeping seriously and I want to establish myself as a wicketkeeper-batsman. I will play Premier League and the National Cricket League as a specialist wicketkeeper,” confirmed Jahurul.
“I started my career as a specialist batsman and I played in the domestic cricket as a specialist batsman but kept wickets often. Now on I have a target to perform the keeping regularly. I have a dream to establish myself as an all-rounder,” he added.
But there is an every chance that he would have to fight with Mushfiqur even in the domestic circuit for a regular keeping spot as both are likely to continue their stint with Biman Bangladesh in the Premier League.
“I’m very much aware of the fact. In that case we can share the job. But this season I will desperately try to play as a wicketkeeper-batsman,” he said.
Though Jahurul has so far played three Tests and six one-day internationals, this was for the first time he had the opportunity to practice in a training camp prior to any series. The Tigers have been training under the guidance of Jamie Siddons for the upcoming five-match one-day series against New Zealand in October.
A right-handed batsman, Jahurul, was drafted into the Bangladesh Test squad during the home series against England earlier this year following Rokibul Hasan’s shock retirement.
“I was suddenly drafted into the national side and then played series and tournament one after another. I didn’t get the opportunity earlier to take part in a training camp before any series. It’s a fantastic experience and I am enjoying it. The facilities are excellent and one can’t compare this experience with any other,” said an excited Jahurul.
Jahurul however believe that one should have the courage to be successful in the international cricket.
“International cricket is totally different from others. I have some problem with my batting like lifting the bat and my bat swing. Still I was successful in the domestic cricket but I must rectify all those problems if I want to be a good batsman at the highest level,” said Jahurul.
“But above everything I think someone has to have the courage to be successful in international cricket,” he added.
