Sri Lanka series will be a good opportunity

Bangladesh Test captain, Mushfiqur Rahim, has described the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka as an opportunity for the Tigers to perform well away from home.

With Mustafizur Rahman back in the team, the skipper believes that the current bowling attack, could very well be one of Bangladesh’s strongest.

“Every series is an opportunity. There’s no doubt about that. And this time, they don’t have their best cricketers, who have served them for so long, with them. Angelo Mathews will also not be there. But this is their home ground and we must remember that.”

“Yes, they will be under pressure because they know we are more matured and we are playing better cricket, so yes, there is an opportunity, but that depends upon how well we can play.”

“We are all excited. It depends upon whether we can give our best,” said Mushfiqur at a press conference that took place at the Sher-e- Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur earlier this afternoon.  

“Our coaching staff has many Sri Lankans. We have managed to gather plenty of information from them. Hopefully we will do well,” he added.

He also said that he expects his bowling attack to do much better in Sri Lanka in comparison to the last few series.

“To have Mustafizur[Rahman], Mehedi Hasan [Miraz] and Shakib [Al Hasan] in the same eleven, is a big strength. They are really skilful and can challenge any batsmen. We played three Tests prior to this series and we are playing our fourth Test. This is going to be good for our preparation. Everything is going good at the moment, but a lot will depend on how we start the series,” explained Mushfiqur.

Ever since the India series, the debate regarding Mushfiqur’s keeping ability once again took the floor.

When asked if he enjoyed doing the dual role, he said: “I definitely enjoy. I would have even bowled for my team if that would have helped them, but that obviously won’t happen. I try to do everything that is in my hands for the good of the team. Whether I will keep or not, is a decision that the coach and the management can take. I think I am most useful to my team as a keeper-batsman. If the management thinks otherwise, then they can take a decision.”