Discussions have been going on for some time about Mostafizur Rahman not playing in the Tests. He did not want to play Tests. However, the left-arm pacer has finally returned to the Test squad with the series against the West Indies. Asked whether he would inspire Mostafiz to play Tests in the future, Shakib Al Hasan said, "Everyone should respect personal preference, preference, 'comfort zone'."
Mostafiz last played a Test against the West Indies in February last year. The left-arm pacer is returning to this version against the West Indies. Bangladesh has played 12 Test matches. Taskin Ahmed is out of the series starting tomorrow due to injury. As a result, Mostafiz will be in the lead of the pace attack.
At today's press conference, Shakib was asked about Mostafiz's Test match. The new Bangladesh captain replied, '(Someone) may have the upper hand. There is nothing to inspire. If Mostafiz thinks he wants to play ODIs and T20s and that is good for him, then that should be respected.
However, Shakib said that there should be no question about Mostafiz's statement in this Test, 'Since he is in this series, I am sure and excited to play. That is important for us. As a captain, I am looking forward to these two matches. I'm sure I've talked to him, he's very excited. I don't know what he has in mind in the long run. But every player has some predominance, likes, has a "comfort zone", it should be respected.
Thus, the Test series in the last Caribbean tour in 2016 is not pleasant for Bangladesh. Bangladesh lost the match 2-0. This year also started with the historic victory of Mount Manganui in Tests, but the recent times are not going well, there has been a change in the captaincy.
In 2016, Bangladesh were bowled out for 43 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. That's where the first Test starts tomorrow. But four years ago-after the gap is a lot, Shakib knows that. Looking at the wickets of the first Test, this time Shakib thinks, the important first innings performance is, 'I think, a completely different wicket, from four years ago, as you said. But it seems to me that wickets are good for batting. However, batting in the fourth innings will be difficult, then the spinners will come in handy. The important thing is how I bat in the first innings. It doesn't matter if you are batting or bowling in the beginning. Unless you're doing well. We have to be ready for everything. The boys are ready to take the challenge.