Really honoured to be here to be playing the Test series against Australia, says Taskin
Darwin, Aug 10
Expressing childlike delight at finally getting the chance to play Test cricket in Australia, senior fast bowler Taskin Ahmed said on Monday that Bangladesh are feeling 'really honoured' to feature in a Test series in the country after 23 years.
Taskin, who first visited Australia 14 years ago as a member of the Bangladesh team in the Under-19 World Cup in 2012, is set to lead the senior team's pace attack in Thursday's series opener at the Marrara Stadium.
"We are really honoured to be here to be playing the Test series against Australia. No doubt Australia is one of the biggest teams in the world, and playing in Australia against Australia in Test cricket, it's a really proud moment for every one of our players. So, definitely that won't be an easy series for us, but still, we are hoping to do really well in the upcoming Australia series," Taskin told reporters on Monday.
Taskin, 31, has featured in the 2015 ODI World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, but has never faced the hosts in the longest format on their home turf. "From my childhood, I've been watching Australia team players, like great fast bowlers, legendary players.
"Really, now I have the opportunity to play against them. So I'm really excited. Australia is my favourite place to bowl. I have been watching all of them- Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins, even Boland also doing well. If I have a chance to chat with them, definitely I will do," he added.
Bangladesh enter the series on the back of a historic 2-1 ODI series victory over Australia in Mirpur two months ago, where the home pitches offered uncharacteristic pace and bounce. Taskin believes that performance provided a boost to the visitors, even though conditions in Australia present a completely different challenge.
"That was a really great series for us, especially because normally, traditionally in Mirpur, it used to be a turning and slow wicket, but the last series was pretty sporting conditions. We all played a good series, and we won against Australia. That's giving us really good confidence to play against them. But still, home and away, there is a big difference."
Addressing Bangladesh's disappointing warm-up outing on Saturday, where they were bundled out for 54 in an innings defeat against a Cricket Australia XI, Taskin insisted the squad is focused on making rapid adjustments before the first Test.
"That wasn't a great feeling after losing against Cricket Australia, that practice game. But in cricket that happens. We are also still trying to adjust to the conditions and pitches quickly. That was a good preparation, but we lost; still, we are hoping to do well in the main match."
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's been 23 years! Can't imagine the emotions running through the Bangladesh players right now. The Mirpur ODI series win must have given them a big confidence boost. Though let's be honest, Australia is a completely different beast at home. Watching Taskin's interview reminds me of how our boys felt on their first tours abroad. Wishing Bangladesh luck, but I don't think they'll trouble Australia much on those fast tracks.
Taskin's excitement is infectious! That quote about being honored to play in Australia is exactly how most cricketers from our region feel. The warm-up game collapse to 54 all out is concerning though. I hope they've learned from that experience and come back stronger. Would be great to see a competitive series rather than a one-sided affair. Bangladesh cricket has come a long way!
Nice to see a fast bowler so excited about playing in Australia. But honestly, being bundled for 54 in the warm-up doesn't inspire much confidence. The conditions are totally different from Mirpur. I know Taskin is being diplomatic, but the reality is Bangladesh still has a long way to go in Test cricket. Let's see if they can at least last 5 days in the first Test. No disrespect, just being realistic from a neighboring cricket fan's perspective.
As someone who watches international cricket from India, I think it's brilliant to see a bowler like Taskin appreciate the Australian attack so genuinely. South Asian teams always bring so much heart to their cricket. That 54 all out against the CA XI is a bit worrying though. Hope they've gotten all their poor shots out of their system before the real thing begins!
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