‘Want to beat big teams away’
The Daily Star (TDS): How is life during the growing coronavirus outbreak worldwide?
Mominul Haque (MH): I had never imagined such a situation in my life. It's honestly very boring, but you know, it is important for us to remain safe at home and follow instructions of the government and health ministry. I do a bit of shadow practice and work on my fitness as much as possible at home.
TDS: You just got married. How has life changed for you personally?
MH: I led a disciplined life even before getting married. Normally, I don't hang out with friends much and after marriage I spend more time with my wife, that's the difference. Yes, I used to be quiet previously due to my mother's illness after she had a brain stroke back in 2010. My elder brother got a job then and I was also playing, so there was an added responsibility on me. My elder brother took care of everything and later, I had also gotten into the national team, so everything is fine now. My mother is doing well and that is a huge relief.
TDS: Obviously, it's a huge challenge to captain Bangladesh, and especially in the Test format. Your thoughts?
MH: Not everyone is able to take up the challenge and honestly, I am enjoying it. It's important to have the right chain of command in the leadership as I think everything depends on the captain in cricket. It has to come from inside that this is my team and I need to do everything to make things right. I am sure things will change and it is important for players to have that belief in them.
TDS: Where do you want to see Bangladesh in Tests in the coming days?
MH: I haven't thought about it as we are now focusing on our attitude towards Test cricket. We are trying to develop a good culture -- previously we used to do well in one session but went on to throw it away like the lower-ranked sides. For instance, normally we play well in the first innings but can't replicate that in the second innings with the bat, so my aim is to bring consistency. We have won Test matches against big sides at home in the past but we never won a series. So, my goal will be to win series against big teams. I would also want to win matches away from home as previously we tended to aim for a draw when we go abroad. I think if we are able to beat a big side in their own backyard, it will be a massive boost for the players.
TDS: What about Mominul the batsman?
MH: I think I will remain the same as a batsman but yes, the responsibility of being the captain will definitely help my batting. Previously when I was just a batsman, I only focused on my batting but now even while batting I need to think about my team and take more responsibility and look to score even bigger now.
TDS: All of your nine Test hundreds have come at home. Do you think scoring one hundred away will turn the tide for you?
MH: My thinking on this is different. If I think like that then after getting one hundred away from home I will be relaxed, which means the hunger will not be there. Maybe you journalists will stop writing about it, but it won't make a difference to me. I want to play good cricket for my team and yes, I am confident that I will score a century abroad.
TDS: Has the captaincy bring change on your personality?
MH: I used to talk less, that's true, but after the Pakistan series Tamim Iqbal bhai told me to be more vocal. When a captain doesn't talk much the message does not get across to other players properly. It is important for everyone to know what the captain wants. Things have changed now as I talk to everyone both on and off the field. And being the captain of the Bangladesh team there is a lot to do, and I am trying to do all that.
QUICK SINGLES
Favourite batsman
Previously it was Michael Clarke. At the moment it's Virat Kohli, Steve Smith and I also like Kane Williamson a lot.
Favourite ground
Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur
Memorable knock
All my hundreds are memorable.
Toughest bowler you have faced so far
Ishant Sharma and Mohammad Shami among the pacers, and Ravichandran Aswin among the spinners.
Favourite Test captain
Kane Williamson.
Any funny incident during a game?
Back in 2012 I had a good series against New Zealand. So, their wicket-keeper BJ Watling was saying something to me as Tamim Iqbal bhai from the other end came and asked me, 'what is he saying? I said I don't know then Tamim bhai said to me 'go and ask him did he scored the half of the runs you scored in the series in his career.' It was funny although I never said that to him.
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