We are ready for the challenge: Shakib

Bangladesh star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan says India seems to be unbeatable at home and it will be a huge challenge not just for himself but for the entire team when the two teams clash in the one-off Test match at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here from February 9, reports The Hindu.

Speaking on the sidelines of the on-going two-day practice match for the visitors at the Gymkhana Ground on Sunday, the best ever all-rounder from Bangladesh said, “We are ready for the challenge even though we are aware that the Indian bowling is top class with the presence of world class spinners, backed up by competent pace attack.”

Commenting on Indian off-spinner R. Ashwin, the 29-year-old Shakib said, “He is a terrific bowler. Looks at his best given the way he has been bowling in the last two to three years.” What impresses me the most about Ashwin is that he has such control over line, length and flight that he can do anything he wants to. A wonderful blend of confidence and control when he bowls,” said Shakib, who played 46 Tests scoring 3213 runs including four centuries.

On the Indian captain Virat Kohli, the former Bangladesh captain commented, “He doesn’t seem to be getting out now in any format.”

“Yes, we are going to miss Mustafizur Rahman (left-arm pacer who was a member of the victorious Sunrisers Hyderabad in the last IPL). He was so familiar with the playing conditions here. But, I hope he would recover fast and join the team at the earliest,” he said.

“Test cricket is all about mental fitness and strength. It requires a lot of character which are more important than technique,” Shakib said.

“It will be a difficult task for us no doubt. But, again despite the disappointing tour to New Zealand recently [where Bangladesh lost both the Tests in the series], we can take confidence from the fact that we have done well against England at home before that,” he pointed out.

“The fact is that we were touring abroad after a long gap and it was definitely difficult to adjust to the conditions there,” he added.