Ahead of Bangladesh’s second and final Test against Ireland, beginning today in Mirpur, veteran Mushfiqur Rahim’s landmark hundredth Test has taken centre stage, leaving everything else aside.
The veteran is the longest-serving international cricketer currently active and, as Bangladesh play their 156th Test on Wednesday, Mushfiqur reaching the landmark 100 Tests, becoming Bangladesh’s first, would be a testament to how essential he has been in the Test circuit over a period of 20 years, holding the baton of Bangladesh’s middle order in the toughest format.
A glowing Mushfiqur stepped out from the dressing room yesterday, shaking hands with members of the media before a photoshoot with journalists at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium turf. Some of the members of the media who lined up for a photo opportunity have seen Mushfiqur from the beginning, some are new, but Mushfiqur’s durability has astounded all.
Bangladesh have played very little compared to the big sides in Test cricket, but Mushfiqur’s longevity is even more pronounced because of this facet. To put into context, Ian Bell, who was playing just his second Test when Mushfiqur made his debut at Lord’s, went on to retire after 118 Tests in 2015.
At yesterday’s pre-match presser, Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons said on Mushfiqur: “I think first of all, we have to acknowledge his professionalism and his longevity and just his desire to play cricket for Bangladesh.
“Because to get 100 Test matches, Bangladesh doesn’t play 15 a year, so it’s taken him a period of time and we must appreciate that.”
Mushfiqur’s attention to detail has kept him ahead of the curve, outlasting the other four of the Big Five of Bangladesh cricket.
“At this level, you cannot be stagnant… you have to always try and get better,” Simmons said, adding that Mushfiqur has “evolved many times”.
Simmons said his simple advice to the veteran has been to enjoy the game. “You need to be enjoying what you’re doing… once you’re performing, you determine how long you want to play,” he told Mushfiqur during the South Africa Test.
Simmons acknowledged that fitness, performance and the “desire to continue” are things Mushfiqur already has; now only he determines when he brings down the curtain. Bangladesh’s Test side would certainly hope that time is still far away.
There is a feeling that the Mirpur Test may not proceed for the whole of five days, given Mirpur’s spin conduciveness. Simmons said that the wicket appears to be looking good for batting for two to two-and-a-half days. Mushfiqur might be taking note, while Ireland middle-order batter Harry Tector joked there would be “certainly not any freebies”.
“I don’t think he needs any freebies. He’s such a good player,” Tector said.
For Ireland, there is an opportunity to spoil the party. “Hope so, yes,” head coach Heinrich Malan said.
“We’re preparing the same way that we always do… you’ve heard Harry speak about trying to level the series. We go into it with the same mindset.”
