'We're on the right path'

Bangladesh have managed to draw four out of the five Tests that they have played this year. While the result sheet does depict progress, in actuality though, the gains that the Tigers have made in the game's longer version still remain a bit unclear.

And the reason behind that is that three out of the four drawn Tests were affected by rain.

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While the Tigers put in an incredible comeback in the first Test against Pakistan, they were saved by the rains against India. While they did mesmerize their fans by putting up a brilliant show in the first Test against South Africa, the fact remains that the series witnessed just four days of cricket due to the inclement weather.

And that is a point that ace-allrounder Shakib Al Hasan focused yesterday when asked to assess Bangladesh's Test performance this year.

“I think we are on the right path as of now. Yes, it's true that there is a difference between the results in the one-dayers and the Tests. But I think had it not rained, we could have understood how much we have actually progressed in Tests after doing so well in the ODIs,” said Shakib while speaking at a programme organised by Lenovo.

“We feel that we have improved but it's the result that catches everyone's eye. We have been playing good one-day cricket for a long time, but everyone noticed us only when we started producing the results. So hopefully, when we play our next Test, we can do well and make everyone notice us,” he added.

Asked about the upcoming challenge against Australia, Shakib indicated that the Tigers are currently in a good frame of mind.

“The way we see our cricket right now… we constantly try to improve ourselves and think of ways of how we can give our best rather than thinking too much about the strengths and weaknesses of our opponents.

“Yes, we do plan for them, but we are more focused on our strengths. If we can continue improving the way we have, I am sure we will be able to fight,” said Shakib.  

We just finished a good series. But now we have to train hard and start from the beginning,” he added.

The left-hander also had special words reserved for Australia captain Michael Clarke who will be retiring after the Ashes series later this month.

“He will go down as one of the best Australian batsmen. His record speaks for him. He is a great cricketer and a great leader. Cricket will miss him,” said Shakib.