Mushfiqur for peace

STAYING FOCUSSED: Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim sets up for a pull-shot while training in the nets at the National Cricket Academy in Mirpur yesterday morning. PHOTO: STAR

At a time when the country's ongoing political instability has led to a stranglehold over the lives of many, Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim has urged the 'concerned authorities' to work towards conjuring a peaceful solution.
Speaking to reporters after his practice session at the National Cricket Academy in Mirpur, the 25-year-old said, “Honestly speaking, as cricketers even when we don't play on the field, we can at least manage three meals a day. But for those who depend on their daily income, it's for their sake that I hope that peace returns to the country as soon as possible,” said Mushfiqur.
“I would request the concerned authorities to work towards a better situation, at least for their survival,” he added.
The wicketkeeper-batsman who is currently going through rehabilitation in order to recover from a back strain is one of the few cricketers to come to Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium everyday amid the uncertainty.
The captain is looking to attain as much practice as possible before the Sri Lanka series due to begin later this month. He therefore expressed his satisfaction after the board decided to host the Bangladesh Cricket League, a domestic four-day competition scheduled to begin next week.
“We haven't played longer-version cricket for a long time, so it will definitely help us. There's nothing better than match practice. BCL has the four best teams, which means the level of cricket will be quite good and competitive,” said Mushfiqur.
“We need overall work in our game. In terms of batting, we would want the top order to give us a good start. The pace bowlers too need some work. There will be enough opportunities to better these areas in the two matches, and the practice sessions afterwards,” he added.
In the last four Test series, the pacers accounted for 37 wickets out of a total of 108 opposition wickets, 15 of which were taken by Robiul Islam alone. As a result, Mushfiqur depicted a special concern with regards to the pace attack.
“We will look at pace bowling closely. They have to take at least eight out of the 20 wickets needed to win a Test match. Otherwise the opponent will be planning well against spin,” said Mushfiqur.
While the Tigers did manage to draw a Test against Sri Lanka in their own den last year, they lost all 13 matches against them either side of that result, seven of which were by an innings.
“There isn't any fear but they have a good record against us. We are confident after doing well in their conditions. We now believe that we can do well against them. We played well in 2013 overall, so this is a good chance to start the New Year in the same vein,” said the captain.
On another note, Mushfiqur welcomed the inclusion of Afghanistan in the forthcoming Asia Cup.
“I think it is a plus point, because we will be facing them in the first round of the World Twenty20. We have a fair idea about them so if we can beat them in the Asia Cup, they would lose a bit of confidence, especially in our conditions.”