UNB, Chittagong :
Bangladesh Test skipper Mushfiqur Rahim is happy over the team’s performances in the first Test that the Tigers lost to England by 22 runs on the 5th and final day at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (ZACS) in the port city of Chittagong on Monday.
Addressing a post-match press conference, Mushfiqur Rahim said, “It’s a big achievement for us as we returned to Test cricket after a long gap of 14 months. We played consistently all five days.”
“Although the loss hurts us, we’re not frustrated. It was a big learning session for us and this is my best Test match after the draw against Pakistan in Khulna,” he added
Noting that they gave their 92-95 percent of their efforts in the game, Mushfiqur said, “We’ve showed our true character. So we’re happy with our efforts.”
Asked why Sabbir Rahman did not go for big hit to score 33 runs needed for the win without giving strike to his partner Taijul Islam, the Bangladesh captain said it would not have been possible for Sabbir to score 33 runs alone. “England started pace attack from both ends this morning. So, it would have been a risk for Sabbir to go for big hit. Besides, Taijul was batting well on the 4th day (Sunday).”
He, however, said if that was the last wicket, the team’s game plan would have been different.
Mushfiqur also lauded pitch curator Zahid Reza Babu, saying “Babu bhai made a wonderful wicket. I’ve played many Tests but I think this is the first time that we got a wicket that helped us and if we could have played some domestic matches in this type of wicket, we would have been more prepared.”
