After thrashing Pakistan 2-0, Bangladesh now aims to beat India, a team they have never defeated in Test cricket in 13 previous encounters. Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz is determined to put up a strong fight against India.
"I saw that India announced their team yesterday," Miraz told reporters at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur on Monday. "Every series is challenging. Since we have done well in Pakistan, there isn't much of a gap."
"We have played Tests on Indian soil before, but our performance wasn't great. This time, we are going with more confidence. Hopefully, we will adapt to the conditions and try to enjoy them. We will fight and if we can fight, we can achieve good results," he added.
"Every session, every ball, everything is a challenge in Test cricket. India is definitely a strong team. Their bowlers and batsmen are very good. We have played there before and we have experience with how the wickets behave. It seems that the wicket will be favorable there. If we continue to play as we have been and focus on our performance without worrying about the result, then good results will follow," Miraz explained.
Miraz recently expressed his desire to bat higher up the order, aiming to become the world's best all-rounder like Shakib Al Hasan. Reflecting on the Pakistan series, which he claimed as his best tournament, he said, "I don't want to be a number eight batsman. Batting at number eight comes with a lot of pressure. If the team has played well, then I have to come down and bat. If things don't go well, I end up batting late. I don't want to be the best at number eight, I want to be the best at the top."
"If two all-rounders play in a team, it provides a lot of advantages. My batting is improving and it feels good to be able to contribute more. Becoming a world-class all-rounder isn't something that happens overnight. You have to play well for a long time. If I can maintain my performance over a long period then I can become a top all-rounder," he explained.
The two-Test series will begin on September 19 in Chennai, followed by the second Test on September 27 in Kanpur. Bangladesh will also play a three-match T20 series, scheduled for October 6, 9 and 12.
