Fresh faces look to seize the day
The phrase 'living the dream' is apt for young pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja and batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy as both cricketers enjoyed every moment during their maiden training session for the national side ahead of Bangladesh's first Test against Pakistan at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram today.
Despite the turmoil within Bangladesh cricket in recent times, the presence of these two youngsters could well inject a breath of fresh air in the camp as the format shifts from T20Is to Test cricket.
And certainly the story of Rejaur, from playing in the backyard of his hometown in Sylhet to stepping up the ladder in no time, will encourage many to dream big.
"I used to play tape tennis cricket in my hometown and one day my senior brothers encouraged me to practice with the cricket ball and urged me to go to the stadium. That's how I started my journey in cricket," Rejaur told the media today.
Inspired by Abu Jayed, Ebadot Hossain and Khaled Ahmed -- the three national seamers from his hometown -- Rejaur showed a glimpse of his ability at the nets yesterday where he tested opener Shadman Islam with his swing and bounce.
"I've done well in the domestic circuit and I'm able to bowl in multiple spells and keep up the pace. I have the ability to bowl at a consistent line and length with a slight movement. I can even bowl quicker in the late hour of the day compared to the start," said the 22-year-old, beaming with confidence.
Rejaur, however, was included at the last moment followed by the injuries to Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam in the T20I series. Now, it will be interesting to see whether the team management hands the youngster the debut cap for the first Test.
On the other hand, Mahmudul, member of the Bangladesh Under-19 World Cup-winning squad, announced his arrival by striking a century against New Zealand in the semi-final of the aforementioned tournament. But it was his recent form in the National Cricket League, where he struck consecutive centuries for Chattogram division, that proved to be the key behind his entry at the Test squad.
"I can't describe my feeling. Every cricketer dreams of getting a call on the Test side and it was my maiden call so I am delighted. I will try to play my natural game if I get a chance in the playing eleven," said Mahmudul.
Although it is still not confirmed whether the 21-year-old would make his debut as the opening partner of Shadman Islam since another right-handed opener Saif Hasan is also in consideration. But regardless of whoever makes the cut in the starting lineup, the fresh faces in the squad are certain to induce some positive energy that the team require at this stage.
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