Mominul Haque has established his place as a Test batsman, no doubt, but he is yet to flourish when it comes to one-day cricket. Though the Bangladeshi played just 12 Tests and his achievements should not be compared to the greats of the game, but his staggering average of 63.06 in the longer version is only second to Sir Donald Bradman. However, it is his one-day average that needs to rise and what better opportunity can he get other than the World Cup.
The 23-year-old smashed seven 100s and 12 fifties in his Test career, but much to everyone’s surprise he is yet to land a ODI century and averages only 25.66 in 24 matches. However, things will be tougher for the not-so-tall Cox’s Bazar lad as the wickets in Australia-New Zealand are not only fast but bouncy too which is likely to expose his weak point on short deliveries.
“In terms of my personal preparation for the World Cup as you all know the pitches in Australia has got the bounce so I am trying to get adjusted with the bounce both in the bowling machine and also in the nets and to be specific I am working on the back foot along with playing cuts and pulls,” said Mominul.
Tigers coach Chandika Hathurusingha is focused to make the batsmen habituate on bouncy tracks in the last minute preparations at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium and yesterday was no exception. However, the former Lankan cricketer is yet to decide a specific role for Mominul.
“To be honest I don’t have any favorite batting position, but if I bat at No 3 I will try to play a long innings and if I go towards the end of the innings I will look to score some quick runs,” said the left-handed Mominul who also bowls occasional left-arm spin.
Alongside adjusting with the batting tracks, Mominul is also aware of the big grounds in Australia where running between the wicket is very important. A sweet timer of the red cherry, the left-handed knows it very well that boundaries will be hard to come and they need to run fast.
The ongoing cricket matches in Australia (their national team playing India and the Big Bash League) are now the only source of gaining a knowledge of the conditions and like others Mominul is also keeping a close eye on the television set before boarding for down under on January 24.
