100th Test, 99 runs: A day to remember for Mushfiqur

Accolades were bestowed and heartfelt tributes flowed as Mushfiqur Rahim became the first Bangladeshi to enter the 100-Test club against Ireland in Dhaka on Wednesday. But for the celebrations to feel truly complete, it needed the history-maker himself to produce something special.

And that's exactly what the veteran batter did, remaining unbeaten on 99 at the end of the day as Bangladesh reached 292-4 at stumps.

From day's beginning till the end, everything revolved around Mushfiqur.

His first Test captain Habibul Bashar, who had presented him his Test cap which he still proudly puts on, presented him with another cap with '100'sewn on it. Bangladesh's first Test cricketer Akram Khan too presented a commemorative cap.

A crest was handed over to him by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam and cricket operations chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim. His teammates from his debut Test and his 100th Test presented him two signed jerseys as memento.

"Disciplined life, disciplined in everything," Mushfiqur's long-time friend and teammate Mahmudullah Riyad, who was present during the event, told broadcasters when asked what was the secret behind his two-decade-long career.

"Everyone talks about your hard work and intensity on the field. But you always play for the team, think of the team -- you never play for yourself," Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said.

The unyielding and unwavering Mushfiqur, who always puts his game above everything, did not get overwhelmed by the auspicious occasion, and played a stoic innings that reflected the determination that has helped him keep going for so long.

Having hit only five fours in his 187-ball knock, the 38-year-old adjusted to the slower outfield to grind out his runs. He went to the crease after Shanto's dismissal, with the hosts 3 down for 95. His first boundary came after 67 deliveries, an elegant inside-out drive. Another of those saw him get to his fifty.

Even in the nineties, when the whole arena bore expectations, the wicketkeeper-batter picked up solid singles. He checked a scoop in the last second, adjusted for a safer paddle sweep to the relief of those present. It was nervy stuff for a first day's play and only Mushfiqur could evoke such emotions.

His seriousness is often so pronounced that Mominul Haque, who shared a 107-run stand with the veteran, was asked at the press conference whether jokes will be shelved for later with him on 99.

"No, no, it's not like that at all. Everything is normal as usual. Maybe now, we can joke around even more, as there's more time left," Mominul jokingly said as there are four days left in the match.

"It felt like a retirement ceremony that happens in other countries, not ours. Personally, I really liked it. If we can continue this culture in Bangladesh, the young generation will also be inspired to play Test cricket and play 100 Tests," he summed up the occasion.

Mushfiqur will be only the 11th cricketer to mark his 100th Test with a ton if he gets the single to complete his 13th Test century. But even if by the twist of fate he fails to get to the landmark, he has already done enough to make a historic occasion feel even more special.