Mominul optimistic about Mushy playing Zim Test

Test captain Mominul Haque was optimistic that Mushfiqur Rahim will definitely play the lone Test against Zimbabwe.

Doubts surfaced about Mushfiqur Rahim's inclusion for the lone Test against Zimbabwe on February 22 with local media report saying that the star batsman would be left out of the squad. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan had previously stated his frustration with seniors option out of tours while head coach Russell Domingo also echoed similar sentiments during a press conference today, citing concerns regarding 'tinkering' the batting lineup for just one Test.

The lone Test against Zimbabwe falls between the two Tests against Pakistan and there have been suggestions from various quarters that the Test squad for the first Test is also the squad for all three upcoming Tests. Mushfiqur opted out of playing in Pakistan due to security concerns and head coach Russell Domingo said today that 'it is hard to pick a batting line-up, change it for one Test, and then change it again for the third Test.'

Asked about whether the named squad was for three Tests, Mominul said: "As far as I know, maybe first Test. I am not aware of anything else. Maybe there could be changes in future."

Mominul said that not having Mushfiqur for the Pakistan Test was a big loss for his side but said that Mushfiqur, who is currently in the sidelines and missed the first round of the ongoing Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) due to an injury, will play the home Test against Zimbabwe.

"There is nothing to say about it. You, I and the whole Bangladesh know… cricket world knows… when you don't have a player like Mushfiqur bhai, everyone will definitely miss him. For a captain and for everyone, this is huge loss," he said following the conclusion of the BCL match between East Zone and Central Zone at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

"It doesn't have to be mentioned whether Mushfiqur bhai will play or not. The series is in Bangladesh, so obviously he will play," Mominul concluded on the matter.