'Tests are much harder'

Despite the subcontinental conditions where pacers have to work really hard on spin-friendly pitches, Tigers' pacer Taskin Ahmed is of the opinion that the Australian seamers are ahead of the Bangladesh pacers when it comes to reverse swing and variations.

However, the speedster also added that the Bangladesh fast bowlers have come a long way over the years and are now capable of causing problems in any conditions.

Taskin, who made his Test debut three years after his maiden limited-overs appearance for Bangladesh and has taken seven wickets from four Tests so far, informed that Test cricket is much harder than limited-overs cricket and he is looking to prepare himself accordingly.

"I have not played that much Test cricket and so far I have realised that Test cricket is much harder. I only played ODIs and T20Is previously but now I also play Test cricket and in this format you have to bowl according to a plan and you need changes of pace. I hope that I will be able to bowl according to the situation. I have enjoyed bowling in New Zealand but it was not the same in Sri Lanka, while I have never played a Test in Bangladesh. I think it requires a lot of patience and skill.

"In terms of reverse swing and variations we have improved a lot. We have improved by practising -- we are working on reverse swing and also swing bowling and I hope that we will be able to do what we have not done in the past," said Taskin at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

The 22-year-old added that he wants to contribute with a match-winning spell if he gets the opportunity against the Aussies.

"A winning spell does not mean taking five-six wickets; instead, if I am able to bowl a few good overs in a spell where the spinners have already taken seven wickets but you come on and break a hundred-run partnership. That will help the team as well so I want to do something like this. I want to bowl reverse swing with the old ball and I am working on it and hope that I will be able to implement those on the field," he said.

Meanwhile, when asked about Mustafizur Rahman's form, which will be crucial on home soil, Taskin informed that he is confident that the 'Fizz' has all the ability to make a comeback in style.

He also expressed his happiness over Mominul Haque's inclusion in the squad but at the same time he added that it was unfortunate for Mosaddek Hossain to miss out on the first Test due to an eye problem.