Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s heroics at number eight in the recently concluded Test series against Pakistan and in the past also make him one of the best all-rounders when it comes to batting at that particular position in the longer format as well. Since his debut in October 2016, Mehidy is the joint highest run-getter along with Jason Holder, with 1041 runs as well. But he is aiming to be among the best batting higher up in the order.
In the opening Test against Pakistan, he hit 77 which was in a record 196-run stand with Mushfiqur Rahim for the seventh wicket to help Bangladesh earn a first-innings lead. In the second Test, Mehidy posted 165 with centurion Litton Das after Bangladesh were reduced to 26 for 6 as well.
“No, I don’t aim to be the best number eight,” Mehidy told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. “Batting at number eight comes with a lot of pressure (laughs). Sometimes the team does well, and then I come in at number eight, or sometimes the top order fails, and I have to bat under pressure. I mean to say that I don’t want to be the best at number eight, but rather aim to be one of the best higher up the order.”
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“If a team has two all-rounders, it provides a great advantage. Since my batting has improved recently…earlier, the team didn’t benefit as much from my batting as I mainly played as a bowler. Now, I’m contributing more (with the bat) and it feels great. Of course, it takes hard work and practice; it’s not something achievable in just one or two years. You have to play well over a long period. If I can continue my current form, hopefully, one day, I will become the best all-rounder,he added.
“Having an all-rounder in a team is beneficial. Since both of us (Shakib and I) are playing, we share important responsibilities, contributing with both bat and ball. In world cricket, every player eventually retires. Most teams have replacements in place. When Shakib Bhai is no longer playing, my role in the team will probably become more significant,” he shared.
After their recent success against Pakistan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz is also confident that they will do well against India. The Test series is slated to begin in Chennai from September 19.
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“India, being a very strong team, has excellent batsmen and bowlers. We have some idea about the wickets there since we’ve played in India before. I think the wickets are usually good. If we continue playing the way we are, and focus on performing without worrying about the outcome, results will come naturally,” he said.
“There will certainly be challenges. We’ve played Tests in India before, and our past performances weren’t great. However, this time we are going with confidence. We’ll try to enjoy the conditions there. When we compete with them, there will be opportunities to achieve good results. Our focus will be on giving our best fight. The whole team is in a positive frame of mind following our victory in Pakistan,” he concluded.
