Published on 12:14 AM, July 19, 2017

'We can beat Australia 2-0'

Bangladesh batsman Mominul Haque. Photo: Star File
Sports Reporter

When it is time for the Tigers to gear up for the Test series, one little dynamo's name must come to mind -- left-handed batsman Mominul Haque. The 25-year old southpaw has somehow got the tag of a Test specialist, which is why he has more idle time compared to his teammates who are also considered for limited-version games.

However, not much time has passed since the batsman from Cox's Bazar played the Galle Test in March this year. Yet, as it happens every time Test cricket comes to the fore, Mominul had to face the recurring question of how it felt to play international cricket after a long break.

"Initially it was difficult but now it's okay. I always try to keep this issue out of my mind and it only comes to mind when you people remind me. If you don't mind it would be nice if you didn't remind me," Mominul, who last played an ODI in February 2015 during the ICC World Cup, told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

Mustafizur Rahman lives not far away from the home of cricket in Mirpur. So, he took a rickshaw ride yesterday after attending the ongoing fitness camp at the BCB Academy ground, where he was also working with Tigers' bowling coach Courtney Walsh. He was particularly working on landing on his delivery stride, which is something he needs to align. It has been observed that the young left-arm quick has deviated from bowling close to the stumps after recovering from a shoulder injury and that might be one of the reasons he was not effective in the ICC Champions Trophy, where he took only two wickets and conceded a lot of runs considering the lofty standards he set after making his debut in 2015. Photo: Star

Like his other teammates, Mominul also talked about next month's two-match Test series against Australia at home and he had high hopes with regards to the Tigers' chances in the series.

"The way we have been playing Test cricket for the past few years has given me the confidence that we can win the Test series against Australia. We are even capable of winning it by a 2-0 margin. But it would also not be bad if we can make it 1-1," said a confident Mominul.

However, he added that the challenge against Australia would be tougher than the last home series against England.

"I think the challenge will be little bit more than England. Australia recently played in India while England went to India after playing against us. If you see the overall scenario then you can understand my point. And most importantly Australia can adjust to any conditions," the veteran of 22 Tests and 26 ODIs opined. "Their pace and spin bowling departments are equally good, so we need to prepare accordingly."

Regarding his personal target, Mominul said: "A score of 50-60 is not enough in Test cricket. Only a hundred or more runs can contribute to the team and I am keeping this in mind while practicing. My main target is to play a big knock."

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