‘400 wickets by career’s end’: Shakib’s message as Taijul sets new record

Shakib Al Hasan congratulated Taijul Islam after the left-arm spinner surpassed him to become Bangladesh's highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.

"Congratulations Taijul. I can see you get to 400 Test wicket by the time you finish your career. Good luck," Shakib wrote in a Facebook post.

Taijul overtook Shakib on Day 4 of the second Test against Ireland at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday. He claimed the record when he dismissed Andy Balbirnie lbw in the post-lunch session.

Taijul, who had taken four wickets on Day 3 to tie Shakib at 246 wickets, reached the milestone in his 56th Test, while Shakib needed 71 matches to achieve the same number.

Over the past year, Taijul has been the leading wicket-taker among spinners in Test cricket, taking 37 wickets in eight matches.

"I would say that whoever played in their time was the best. Taijul is the best now. Rafique bhai was the best in his time. Shakib is world-class… Taijul's importance is very high, especially when playing in Asia. Everyone sees it that way," said Bangladesh's specialised batting coach Mohammad Ashraful at the end of Day 4.

Most Test wickets for Bangladesh:

Taijul Islam – 249 wickets (57 matches)

Shakib Al Hasan – 246 wickets (71 matches)

Mehidy Hasan Miraz – 209 wickets (56 matches)

Mohammad Rafique – 100 wickets (33 matches)

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza – 78 wickets (36 matches)