CHATTOGRAM, -Newcomers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Rejaur Rahman Raja were elated to get a first call-up into the national team for Test cricket, saying that longer version is the format which they have particularly found to their likings.
They were however unfazed by the fact that they have little chance to make their debut as Bangladesh are highly likely to field experienced campaigners in a bid to rid their poor T20 memories in which they were whitewashed by Pakistan after a disastrous Twenty20 World Cup campaign. If the team management doesn’t take any unorthodox decision, Mahmudul, a batsman hailed from Chattogram is unlikely to make his debut at his home town.
The first Test starts at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram from November 26. The 21-year old Mahmudul has made a promising start in his first class career with scoring two hundreds already in the ongoing National Cricket League. The 22-year-old Raja, who has represented the BCB HP and Emerging Teams, has taken 33 wickets in 10 first class matches for Sylhet Division and Islami Bank East Zone.
“I am really elated to get a Test call up. Everyone dreams to play for the national team, and so I am no exception,” Mahmudul said here today. Terming him fully prepared for the national team, he said, “My confidence is high at this moment following some good performance in the National Cricket League. Also I played well in HP and other aged level cricket.”
Mahmudul further said he had no specific plan or goal with his batting approach if he makes his debut in the Chattogram Test. “There is no specific plan. Just what I want to do is to play my normal cricket,” he said. Pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja on the other hand said his strength is to bowl for a longer period, which is paramount for Test cricket.
“My strength is to bowl in longer spell. I can bowl with several spell in a day with same pace and energy. And sometimes even my pace and energy got higher at the fag end of the day,” Raja said. “I enjoy Test cricket and it’s my strength. I can bowl in same rhythm and land it in same area. I can also move the ball, so I am confident about myself,” he added.
