Sabbir targets Test debut
There was a time when Bangladesh's fitness tests used to be dominated by Mushfiqur Rahim. That the hardworking batsman would emerge as the fittest player in the team following tests was almost a given.
And then came Sabbir Rahman. The agile batsman broke into the national squad in early 2014 mainly for two reasons: his powerful hitting ability and his supreme levels of fitness. The management was so impressed by the latter trait that it compelled them to give him a chance in the national team ahead of an in-form Nasir Hossain.
Ever since then, it has generally been Mushfiqur and Sabbir battling it out towards the finish as far as the jogging, running, jumping and other fitness-related tests were concerned.
The fitness tests of the national players are currently underway and so it's still uncertain who has scored the higher numbers. However the one thing that's certain is that Sabbir is keen to top the charts again.
Topping the tests doesn't necessarily mean that he's going to be selected for all the upcoming matches, but it's a trend he wants to continue because he appears to be a fitness-freak.
“I work out throughout the year. It doesn't matter if I am in Dhaka or back home in Rajshahi. I make it a point to hit the gym and ensure that I am doing well. To be honest, I enjoy these fitness camps a lot and maybe that's why I get the best results sometimes,” Sabbir told reporters following his training session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.
While Sabbir has become a regular for the national side in both ODIs and T20Is, he is yet to play a Test and there are some who believe that Sabbir's aggressive demeanor suits the shorter versions more than Test cricket. The 24-year-old though, doesn't agree with that logic.
“I think the best ever achievement for a player is to do well in Test cricket. When he does well in this format, you know that he has true quality. If I get a chance in Tests I will definitely try to keep my place like I have done in the ODIs and T20Is.
“I don't see Test cricket as anything different. It's all about scoring runs. Look at the players around the world today. It's the aggressive players who have scored runs in Tests, apart from scoring in ODIs and T20Is. Virat Kohli just scored a double century. So it's all about how you think,” he explained, adding that he would prefer playing down the order if give an opportunity.
The Tigers' next assignment against England is still more than two months away. Until then Sabbir wants to concentrate on the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL), the country's premier four-day competition.
“If I want to enter the Test team then I have to do well in the BCL. It's a competitive league and I believe those who can do well here can replicate their performances against England,” he concluded.
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