March 28, 2024, 9:33 pm


FT Online

Published:
2019-04-01 21:00:19 BdST

'I aim to contain'


One of the younger members of the Bangladesh team, Mehedi Hasan Miraz is expected to take part in his maiden World Cup in the upcoming mega event in the UK this summer with a lot of hope riding on him.

Since making his Test debut with a bang at home in 2016, when he picked up 19 wickets in his first two Tests against England, the 21-year-old has managed to establish himself in the longest format of the game.

Mehedi, who did showcase his ability as an all-rounder during his age-level days, has however had to fight for a place in the limited-over formats since making his ODI debut the following year.

It was during the tour of West Indies in summer 2018 that Mehedi successfully opened the innings with the new ball and managed to restrict batsmen. He backed up that performance in the Asia Cup, where he also opened the innings with the bat in the final and contributed.

Mehedi is rated as the next big thing of Bangladesh cricket, but will still have to fight for a place in the playing eleven in the World Cup keeping the seaming friendly pitches of England in mind.

 

The cricketer is also aware of the challenge and informed that he is preparing himself according to the condition and look to play the supporting role for the pacers.

“I think it's important for the spinners to contain runs as the spinners won't get much purchase in those conditions. Even if you are unable to pick wickets it's important to remain economical and if you concede five and a half runs per over along with chipping in with a few wickets, it will be good. My aim will be to support the pacers by containing runs in the World Cup,” Mehedi told reporters yesterday.

The cricketer from Khulna has had the experience of playing in England during the Champions Trophy in 2017. He thought that his experience would help him cope with conditions in the mega event.

Mehedi, however, is yet to establish himself as an all-rounder despite having all the potential. In that regard, he said that he was working on his batting to contribute at crucial stages.

“I think it's important to score 20-30 runs at a crucial stage and I am working on that aspect in my batting as I won't be able to play long innings. If I am able to contribute few runs with the bat and put up a partnership in the latter stages it will definitely help the team,” he said.

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