Mushfiqur Rahim is wary of an Australian backlash © Getty Images
Bangladesh’s captain Mushfiqur Rahim has insisted that his side will continue to play aggressive cricket in a bid to secure their first series win over Australia.
“There is no way we will play safe cricket,” Mushfiqur said. “We always play to win against every side. We could have played for a draw against England, by using a flat surface, but we didn’t do it. We wanted to look for a result by using our strength. Safe cricket is not an option for us because you can’t win against a side like this (Australia) by doing so. We have to be more aggressive than them.”
Mushfiqur said his team expect a backlash from Australia, who suffered their first defeat against Bangladesh in Mirpur, but backed his team to deliver at home.
“Winning doesn’t mean we can’t improve or work on our game anymore,” he said. “This is a crucial match for us as we are 1-0 ahead. The Australians have played many matches under such pressure, so they know how to bounce back. But we are confident because we do well in home conditions.”
Mushfiqur called for a collective performance from the team, instead of relying on one or two players. Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal did the heavy lifting in Mirpur, adding 155 runs for the fourth wicket after the hosts were reduced to 10 for 3 in four overs. That stand contributed 59% of Bangladesh’s first-innings total, and helped them earn a lead of 43 runs.
Tamim followed his 71 in the first innings with 78 in the second and Mushfiqur made 41, but the rest of the batsmen struggled. Shakib claimed a match haul of 10 wickets in the first Test, and was supported by offspinner Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam, the left-arm spinner. Mehidy and Taijul picked up nine wickets between them in Mirpur, but Mushfiqur wanted a stronger performance from them.
“Apart from Shakib and Tamim, the rest of the line-up couldn’t give even 90% input,” he said. “I think everyone has to contribute, even the bowlers. Miraz and Taijul are capable of bowling better. The message is clear that all of us need to perform, not just one or two. They are all fresh, ready to go.”
Mushfiqur said his side was mentally stronger after wins over Sri Lanka and England in the past year. “Some become rapt in happiness but we have talked about this,” he said. “But we don’t get these chances every day. We are 1-0 ahead but Australia will respond strongly. We bounced back well in our last two series. It proves the progress in our mental capacity.”
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo