‘We will all celebrate those five days together,’ says Shanto on Mushfiqur’s milestone
Once green, Mushfiqur Rahim's baggy Test cap now appears almost grey, worn from years of use. A man closing in on his 100th Test -- the first from Bangladesh -- Mushfiqur's story and longevity remain a point of pride in the dressing room. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto is no different.The last remaining member of Bangladesh's 'Big Five' -- also involving Shakib Al Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza, Mahmudullah Riyad, and Tamim Iqbal -- Mushfiqur's cap, earned at Lord's back in 2005, has become a symbol. Wh...
Once green, Mushfiqur Rahim's baggy Test cap now appears almost grey, worn from years of use. A man closing in on his 100th Test -- the first from Bangladesh -- Mushfiqur's story and longevity remain a point of pride in the dressing room. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto is no different.
The last remaining member of Bangladesh's 'Big Five' -- also involving Shakib Al Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza, Mahmudullah Riyad, and Tamim Iqbal -- Mushfiqur's cap, earned at Lord's back in 2005, has become a symbol. When he steps onto the field on Tuesday for his 99th Test, that cap will not just represent appearances; it will stand for experience and endurance in the most prestigious format of the game. If all goes well, Mushfiqur will play his 100th Test in Mirpur.
"We are very excited. I think tomorrow will be the 99th Test. It is always a pleasure for us to have him [Mushfiqur] in the dressing room. The reason is that in Test cricket, we always prioritise experience. So, his years of experience in his career helps us a lot," skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto said at the press conference on Monday, a day before the first Test against Ireland.
The captain added that Mushfiqur remains a reference point during crunch moments of a match.
"We always discuss how to handle the pressure in crucial moments using his experience. So, we are very excited, and I personally want to celebrate and enjoy these two Test matches with everyone. Especially if he can play the 100th Test properly, then we will all celebrate those five days together and enjoy the whole five days very well. So, I am very optimistic that he will play these two Test matches in good health, Inshallah," Shanto added.
Mushfiqur himself appeared in good spirits during training on Monday, taking part in activities alongside the rest of the squad. Yet batting never leaves his mind. The veteran was seen working for hours in the nets at the Sylhet International Stadium on Monday. Coming off a National Cricket League century, Mushfiqur will be eager to make his 99th Test count before the landmark match in Mirpur.