Bangladesh’s spin-bowling consultant, Mushtaq Ahmed, has praised senior players Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim for their positive impact on the team’s morale ahead of their Test series against Pakistan, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.
Mushtaq commended Shakib and Mushfiqur for their leadership and the crucial role their experience and optimism have played in boosting the team’s confidence. “All the players are excited about the first Test match,” Mushtaq said. “Shakib and Mushfiqur are leading positively, and the management’s support has been invaluable. Our focus is firmly on cricket.”
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The Bangladesh squad arrived in Pakistan on August 13, following an invitation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Due to political unrest in Dhaka, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was unable to arrange a full team practice session with head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe.
The two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh starts on August 21. This will be the seventh Test series between the two teams, with Pakistan having won all six previous encounters. Despite the current challenges, Bangladesh is determined to secure a victory and improve its record against Pakistan. Pakistan, meanwhile, aims to maintain its dominance and enhance its standing in the World Test Championship, where it currently ranks fifth with 22 points from five matches.
Bangladesh’s last bilateral tour of Pakistan in 2020 was cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic. Shakib Al Hasan, who recently competed in the Global T20 Canada for the Bangla Tigers Mississauga, joined the team in Lahore and began training immediately. Mushfiqur Rahim is currently playing a four-day match against Pakistan A in Islamabad.
Bangladesh has won only one Test series of two or more matches abroad, against the West Indies in 2009. However, Mushtaq is optimistic about the team’s future. He believes they have the potential to start winning more matches overseas. “A cricketer needs strong basics and belief to succeed at this level,” Mushtaq commented. “Skill comes naturally. We aim to instill confidence that they can beat any team. Bangladesh is a strong side, showing their potential in the World Cup, developing good fast bowlers, and progressing in the right direction. With ongoing learning and self-belief, they can start winning games abroad.”
Mushtaq also praised Bangladesh’s spinners for their eagerness to learn, particularly highlighting leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who has made notable progress under his mentorship and was the joint fifth-highest wicket-taker in the recent T20 World Cup. “The spinners are mature and keen to learn,” Mushtaq said. “My role is to focus on tactical and technical aspects, including angles, pitch reading, pace, and field settings. Even experienced players need reminders. Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are match-winners. They are an excellent, coachable group, and I am honored to work with them. I hope to make a significant impact.”
