'Playing like this is the new test'

The year 2015 can probably go down as one of the greatest years of Bangladesh's cricket; even the sternest of critics would agree to that. However, according to top-order batsman Mahmudullah Riyad, who surprised the world with his two centuries in the World Cup earlier this year, the Tigers now have a new challenge in store.

"2015 has been one of the best years in terms of cricket for us. But now we have a new challenge ahead of us. We have to hold on to this form and continue performing. That's what we have to do in the future," Riyad told reporters yesterday.

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While the player had a brilliant run in the World Cup this year, his performance dipped during the series that ensued. In addition, he had injured his finger which led to him missing the India series.

"Personally, I want to do well in every match that I play. My target is to play consistent cricket," said Riyad.

The next challenge in store for the Tigers is a two-Test series against Australia which begins in October. The Australians might be in dire straits at the moment having been thumped by an innings in the fourth Test of the Ashes series. Their former captain Ricky Ponting during an interview has even gone on to say that there might be as many as eight players on the current side who won't play Tests in the near future. Riyad though, was unmoved by that statement.

"It doesn't matter which Australian team comes. We have the ability to compete against them," said Riyad.

The Tigers have nothing on their international calendar after the end of the Australia series. There is however a chance for the third edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) to take place in November this year. The batsman said that hosting the tournament would do a lot of good for Bangladesh's players.

"The T20 World Cup is around next year and if we can host the BPL at this time, it will be good practice for us," said Riyad.