Milestones not distracting Miraz
Regarded as more of a batsman than a bowler in age-level days, a 15-year-old Mehedi Hasan Miraz backed up that ability with a maiden youth Test hundred for Bangladesh U-19 against their Sri Lankan counterparts in 2013.
But Miraz's focus over the years has shifted to his off-spin ever since he burst onto the international circuit in 2016, when he scalped 19 wickets in his first two Tests against England.
That year, Miraz also led the Bangladesh U-19 side to the ICC Under-19 World Cup semifinals, being named the man-of-the-tournament for his all-round skills.
He scored 242 runs in six games, including four fifties, and also bagged twelve wickets in the tournament.
Yet, despite possessing all the attributes needed to become the genuine all-rounder that Bangladesh has been looking for after Shakib Al Hasan, Miraz has failed to cash in on his talents.
With a good batting technique, Miraz scored two fifties in 22 Tests before finally scoring his maiden Test ton against the West Indies yesterday.
The right-hander came in at No. 8 and showed character and true batsmanship upon joining Shakib in the middle. He started off with a delightful backfoot punch to pacer Shanon Gabriel for a boundary, signaling that he could negotiate the serious pace threat.
"I was a bit nervous when I came to the wicket and Shakib bhai told me to play my normal game and play with confidence whenever I go for shots. Shakib bhai also suggested that I play the paddle sweep instead of the slog sweep and such things bolstered my confidence," Miraz told the media.
After Shakib's departure left Bangladesh on 315 for 7, Miraz had to shoulder responsibilities with lower-order. Yet, Miraz not only reached a personal milestone with a paddle-sweep to Jomel Warrican. He also ensured Bangladesh would go past the 400-mark, adding valuable runs with Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan.
Miraz was eventually dismissed after being caught at long-on for a 168-ball 103, a knock that featured 13 boundaries.
Miraz was questioned about his ability to become a genuine all-rounder by putting more emphasis on his batting and he revealed more.
"I started off in international cricket as a bowler. If I had to play as a batsman, I would never be able to get into the national team. I feel the same now as there are quite a few established batsmen in the team. For me, the better option would be able to play as an off-spinner/batsman, which is a better option for the team management and coach. I always try to bowl well and this is my weapon while the batting helps me gain confidence. I will try to work on both aspects," said Miraz.
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