Out to prove doubters wrong
His four centuries and his laid-back batting approach in Test cricket may have dazzled the country in the last two years, but come this February, Mominul Haque will have a different challenge awaiting him: the task of proving to everyone that he does not belong solely to the game's longer version.
The 23-year-old's tryst with ODI cricket hasn't been as fruitful as his performances in Test cricket. His batting average in each of the formats -- 63.05 in Tests and 25.66 in ODIS -- reflects a gulf of difference. During the five-match ODI series against Zimbabwe in November, Mominul was dropped for two matches.
The three times he featured in that series saw him wield his bat in three different positions -- number three, five and seven-- a move which reflects a hint of uncertainty regarding his place in the side.
Mominul however believes that his fortunes in the ODIs would change if he can put up a stellar performance in the upcoming World Cup.
“I think the World Cup will be a vital opportunity for me to show people that I can do well in ODIs and not just in Tests. Whenever someone comes to me and reminds me about my ODI average, I realise that I have been a bit inconsistent. But then I tell myself that it will become alright one day… so the World Cup might be that opportunity,” Mominul told The Daily Star.
“I don't think God gives everything to everyone at the same time… it comes one by one. I believe that my time will arrive in the one-dayers too. It will happen when it happens,” he added while further explaining his thoughts about the game.
The first player from Cox's Bazar to represent Bangladesh in the World Cup, Mominul reckons his friends and family back home are happier than him.
“I am not really good at describing my feelings with words... but I am sure if you ask them they can provide you with a better response. I think they were happier than me when the final squad was announced,” believed Mominul.
“I am delighted and I thank God for the opportunity. It's a chance to do something for your country. It's the kind of tournament, where if you do well, people all around the world will remember you forever,” he added.
However, with the mega event taking place in unfamiliar conditions, Mominul's mission is not going to be that easy to accomplish. To make things worse he hasn't been in the best of forms in the recently concluded Dhaka Premier League either. He scored just 180 runs in nine matches with one half-century. The 23-year-old however, was not short of any confidence while talking.
“I am going there for the first time. My primary aim there will be to learn how to bat in those conditions. I need to do that for every day I am there. I believe that if I can carry on with this mindset I can do well,” reckoned Mominul.
“I just could not click in the Premier League. Like everyone else even I knew that I should have done a lot better, but now I have to make up for it. I can start doing that during the extra 20 days that we will be spending in Australia. 20 days is a big deal! That and the four practice matches will definitely help us learn more about the conditions,” he added.
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