Bangladesh Test captain Mominul Haque is confident of winning the home series against the West Indies, but is also aware of the opposition and uncertainties in the longest format of the game.
Bangladesh are returning to the Test fold after almost a gap of one year due to the Covid-19 pandemic with the first match of the two-Test series Wednesday and despite being tagged as heavy favorites, the hosts’ skipper is not getting complacent.
“Obviously being the home team, the favorites tag is imminent to us, but that doesn’t mean, we are taking Windies lightly. We are concentrating on our own strengths, to deliver the best result possible, from our end,” Mominul told reporters in the pre-match virtual press conference.
Bangladesh clean swept the three-match ODI series recently and also won the last home Test series against the same opponents 2-0, but young captain Mominul anticipates that the challenges could be harder this time.
The West Indies came with a very inexperienced ODI side as many of their senior players withdrew citing Covid-19 concerns but the Test side are bolstered with the presence of experienced players like Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel and captain Kraigg Brathwaite.
Bangladesh may face a tricky situation as their players have not played any recognized red-ball cricket for almost a year.
Bangladesh will become the ninth Test team to return in the arena after the Covid-19 break but the long hiatus will...
Posted by Sports Tribune on Tuesday, 2 February 2021
Moreover, the last time they played at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, they lost to low ranked Afghanistan.
But, Mominul said, they are only focusing on the job in hand and not recalling either the bad or even the good memories.
“It’s true that we’ve had quite a long gap; however, we should use this hiatus to start our Test venture with a brand new approach, as it is a very bright opportunity for us. I think we should welcome this opportunity with solid performance, as a team,” said the left-handed batsman.
‘’We are considering keeping our focus on the series at hand, which takes place (today), as the Afghanistan match is a far distant memory and there is no benefit to us remembering the painful incident,” he added.
However, the 29-year old captain will be encouraged to get a full squad for the first time with the presence of all his senior teammates.
Mominul was endowed the responsibility on an impromptu basis when erstwhile captain Shakib al Hasan received a one-year ban from International Cricket Council for failing to report multiple corrupt approaches just before their India tour in November 2018.
Shakib is in the race to become fit for the first Test against West Indies and head coach Russell Domingo believes the progress is good and the talisman will be fit on time
Posted by Sports Tribune on Monday, 1 February 2021
In that series he missed the services of Shakib and premier opener Tamim Iqbal.
In his second assignment, Mominul missed another experienced campaigner Mushfiqur Rahim as the wicketkeeper-batsman didn’t travel to Pakistan for the Karachi Test.
The diminutive batsman returned for the one-off home Test, the last Bangladesh played before Covid-19 pandemic era, against Zimbabwe, but they did not get Shakib, evidently.
Recently, Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo emphasized on the support of senior players to the young captain and Mominul also acknowledged how supportive they are.
"It is a good opportunity for a young captain when the full squad is available," he said.
“Shakib's batting and bowling are going to help me lead the side that will now have a better combination. The senior players have played for around 12 or 13 years.
"I have nothing to ask for anything extra. They are all professionals, and they know exactly how to react and contribute. I am happy with their support in telling me how to handle certain situations.”
