Bangladesh’s spin-bowling coach, Mushtaq Ahmed, has commended senior players like Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Taskin Ahmed for their support and guidance to the younger members of the squad as they prepare for their upcoming Test series against Pakistan. The series, consisting of two Tests, is set to begin on August 21.
Following recent successes at home, where Bangladesh secured Test series wins against Ireland and Afghanistan and drew a series against New Zealand, they faced a setback with a 0-2 defeat in their most recent home Test series earlier this year.
In a press conference ahead of the Pakistan tour, Mushtaq Ahmed spoke highly of the senior players’ mentorship, as reported by the Times of India:
“Shakib, along with Mushfiq and Taskin, are all very supportive of the youngsters in the team, especially those experiencing a tour of Pakistan for the first time.”
He also praised the eagerness of the Bangladesh players to learn, noting their openness to coaching:
“The players are keen to improve, willing to listen, and eager to learn about tactics and strategies. I hope to make a positive impact on them. Bangladesh has some quality players and an emerging group of good pace bowlers. I believe they are on the right track. What they need now is the self-belief that they can perform well overseas.”
Shakib, who previously served as a member of parliament under Bangladesh’s former government, has received clearance to join the national team for the Pakistan series.
Bangladesh Yet to Secure a Test Win Against Pakistan
Bangladesh faces a challenging task in the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, given their history in the red-ball format against their Asian neighbors.
The two teams have faced each other 13 times in Test cricket, with Pakistan winning 12 matches and one ending in a draw. The last Test series between the two sides took place in Bangladesh in 2021, where Pakistan secured a 2-0 victory.
Bangladesh’s most recent visit to Pakistan was in 2020, but the scheduled two-Test series was cut short to one match due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Pakistan winning the only completed game.
The first Test of the upcoming series will be held in Rawalpindi from August 21 to 25, followed by the second Test in Karachi from August 30 to September 3.
