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“I did not think anything like how much Tests I will play or anything else during my first Test. That time it was a bit of fun. But now there is more responsibility, along with the fun factor. It would have been nice If I played more Tests. But actually, there is not much regret. How much I perform for the team in matches is the most important thing to me,” Shakib told the media at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. “There are two more Tests ahead. Our team performed well this year. Hopefully we will play well in the upcoming series,” he said. There were numerous occasions when Shakib’s outstanding performance lifted the Tigers, sometimes earning glory along the way. But when asked about his best performance, Shakib chose the 96-run innings he played while chasing against host West Indies in St George’s in 2009. Bangladesh won the match by four wickets, and eventually clinched the series 2-0. “Memorable Test was against England in Dhaka in which we won. Personally I believe the innings West Indies was one of my best. And also the 217 against New Zealand was a memorable achievement. In terms of bowling, seven wickets against New Zealand in Chittagong was my personal favourite,” said Shakib. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJyWxWKOo28 Surprisingly, Shakib never played against Australia during his 49- Test career and the all-rounder said he is all ready to go against the Aussies. “It’s an exciting feeling. We have played ODIs and T20Is several times but in Test, it is the first time. Australia and England always give Test cricket extra value. To play against such sides is always exciting,” he explained. After 10 years in Test cricket, Shakib admitted that a lot has changed positively in Bangladesh cricket since his debut and he also thanked the fans, officials and everyone related with the game for his success. “It’s a satisfying thing. Ten years is a long time. This is a positive sign that our cricket has improved. Credit goes to all. Even before 10 years, so many people have contributed. Administrations, facilities, support staffs, coaches, even ball-boys, and obviously, fans. I think Bangladesh people love cricket even more than the Indians. Cricket is the No 1 thing in Bangladesh. For players, it’s a great satisfaction,” he said. He added, “Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam have been bowling really well. Earlier I got some really good support from [Abdur Razzak] Raj bhai, [Mohammad] Rafique bhai. In previous days, we did not get helpful wickets. But now the mentality has changed. Now we play for win. So bowlers get good chance to shine.”
