'Patience will be key'

Mushfiqur Rahim will lead the Tigers for the 18th time in Test cricket, equalling Habibul Bashar's feat, when Bangladesh take on Zimbabwe in Khulna today. Photo: FIROZ AHMED

The last time Bangladesh played a Test match in Khulna, it was Abul Hasan's rare feat -- a century on debut as a number ten batsman -- that was lauded despite the thumping ten-wicket defeat at the hands of West Indies in 2012.
Two years on, and the plot is a different one. The Tigers, who will face Zimbabwe in the second Test from today, have an opportunity of achieving a rare series win and only a victory can satisfy the fans and the cricketers themselves.
A hard-fought win at Mirpur gave them a much required boost -- their first win over a Test nation in any format this year. However, they now need to work on widening the gap from their nearest rivals. A win in the second Test will not only give them the series but will also help the Tigers overtake Zimbabwe, who are currently ranked ninth, in the Test rankings.
There are a host of records in the offing ahead of this Test. Mushfiqur Rahim will lead Bangladesh for the 18th time in Test cricket and by doing so will equal Habibul Bashar's record. If the Tigers do manage a win, it will only be the second time that they will have achieved consecutive wins ever since their entry into Test cricket. The feat will no doubt be a lot sweeter than the wins they had against a depleted West Indies side in 2009.
In a lengthy pre-match press conference yesterday, a calm Mushfiqur told reporters that his side was hungry for success, following a torrid year. While the first Test did end within three days, the hosts were 'mentally ready' to play five days of cricket, Mushfiqur opined.
His mantra was simple: stay focused until the job is done.
The captain demands a better show from his batsmen, who disappointed in the first Test. The wicket in Khulna is likely to be a bit more batting-friendly than the one in Mirpur.
"At the end of the day the main objective is to follow the processes. If we can keep them right and execute the plan, then everything will fall in place," said Mushfiqur.
"One or two poor dismissals can take place in any Test match. But if that number extends to five or six then that is just scary. Here comes the question of concentration and we are working on that," added the captain.
He further emphasised the importance of being patient. "You cannot show patience in the middle automatically. It's a virtue that can only be earned through practice," he explained.
He further warned that there was no scope to underestimate Zimbabwe, who had fought neck and neck in Mirpur.
"Zimbabwe is not an easy opponent. Though our batsmen made mistakes, the way they fought with only 100 runs on the board was really outstanding. And now they know about our bowling attack and our plans against them," reckoned Mushfiqur.
A similar warning was sounded by Bangladesh's former coach Dav Whatmore, who is currently in town as a TV commentator, in an interview two days ago. Whatmore urged the Tigers to show the spirit they had shown nine years ago to fight out a draw against Zimbabwe in the second Test and win the series.