Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz says he does not want to be the world’s best No.8 and has ambitions to move up the order. During the Mohammad Rafiq Trophy series against Pakistan, Mehidy was named Player of the Series after shining with bat and ball. In the second test match, he and Litton Das helped Bangladesh recover from 26 for 6. Similarly, he played a vital role in their first test with Mushfiqur Rahim when they partnered for 77 runs which is still a record.
Since his debut in 2016 up until now, Mehidy is one of two joint highest run-scorers in No 8 position alongside Jason Holder having scored 1041 runs so far. According to Cricbuzz reports, He joked that there is much pressure at No 8 and he desires being one among top-order.
Mehidy told reporters at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, “No, I don’t aim to be the best number eight. Batting at number eight comes with a lot of pressure (laughs). Sometimes the team does well and then I come in at number eight or sometimes the top order fails, and I have to bat under pressure. I mean to say that I don’t want to be the highest scorer among eight-man batters but rather aim to be one who is among the best ones high up the order.”
Mehidy is hoping to be the best all-rounder after seeing a lot of improvement in regard to his batting lately. He expressed that he will have more important role when Shakib Al Hasan finally hangs his boots.
“If there are two all rounders in a team it gives a great advantage. My batting has improved recently…earlier my batting did not add much to the team since I mainly played as a bowler. Now I give more (with bat) and it feels good. Of course, hard work is required and practice; this is not something possible within just one or two years. You have to play well over an extended period of time. If I can carry on like this then hopefully one day I would be considered as the best all¬rounder.”
“Bringing an all rounder into your team benefits you as he/she shares some important responsibilities that come with both bat and ball. In international cricket eventually everyone retires anyway. Most teams have got substitutes well in advance when someone reaches retirement age. My contribution might become even bigger later on,” said Mehidy.
The Bangladesh cricket team has been preparing for their tour to India which starts with Testing matches on September 19th.
