Mushy hopes to make 100th special

After losing three Tests away from Home, Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim reckons that they have an opportunity to end their rut in Sri Lanka, when they leave for the island nation today, provided that the Tigers are able to give their best on the field.

There are a number of reasons as to why the captain is so confident. For one, this will be Bangladesh's fourth Test in three months, which is a significant increase compared to their previous fixtures and that is bound to give the players confidence.

Secondly, the Lankans, according to Mushfiqur, could be a little vulnerable with the team still trying to find its foothold ever since the retirement of a number of their top players. To make it worse, Angelo Mathews isn't playing either.  

However, the one aspect that the captain seemed the happiest about was the return of Mustafizur Rahman. Until the last series, Mushfiqur described his bowling attack as hardworking but inexperienced. Ahead of the Sri Lanka tour, the skipper sounded a lot more positive. 

“As a batting unit, Bangladesh has improved, but our bowling is inexperienced. But as a captain, I feel that we have one of Bangladesh's strongest bowling attack going to Sri Lanka."

“Mustafizur, [Mehedi Hasan] Miraz and Shakib [Al Hasan] can be difficult for any batting team. They are very excited and hopefully they will be able to give their best. It is very much possible for us to take 20 wickets with this attack,” said Mushfiqur during a press conference at Mirpur yesterday.

“This series is a good opportunity for us, but it depends on how good we play. If we can give our best, we wil get the results. Our coaching staff is Sri Lankan and we have received plenty of information from them,” added the wicketkeeper-batsman.

The last time Mushfiqur batted at Galle, he scored a double hundred. The captain however, believes that the entire team needs to start all over again in order to do well in Galle and not expect any favours from the wicket or conditions.

“The wicket at Galle normally supports spinners. Against us we had received a batting-friendly track and that helped us score a huge total. No matter what wicket we get, we have a very balanced attack,” said Mushfiqur.

“Wicket does matter a lot. But what I personally feel is that whenever we score well, we don't get the credit that we deserve. Against India, the wicket was flat, no doubt, but the way they attacked us with the old and the new ball, I must say that I never faced such a strong attack in my Test career.

“So, the wicket is important, but we also have to be prepared for everything,” he added.

Bangladesh will be playing their 100th Test in Sri Lanka and the skipper hopes the Tigers can bring in a result that can help them celebrate the milestone. He also wants the team to do well in Sri Lanka, since it can help the Tigers gain some good rating points.

A draw in the Test series can help them gain five rating points, while a win will get them 11 rating points and take them over the West Indies.