Tamim confident Shakib, Mustafizur, Miraz will trouble Australia

When Mehedi Hasan Miraz burst onto the scene in the home series against England last year, Shakib Al Hasan’s perfect foil from the other end helped him haul Bangladesh over the line for a remarkable Test win.

Now, Tamim Iqbal believes pacer Mustafizur Rahman has to complement the exploits of the spinners to produce a good result against Australia.

Rain spoiled the Tigers’ practice on Friday and vice-captain Tamim took time to speak to journalists on behalf of the team before returning to the hotel.

“I think the little things must be done correctly if we want to win 2-0, it’s not that we say it and it will happen automatically. Whichever team emerge victorious, I always say every session, every ball needs to be battled out,” he said.

“I’ve always said the plans have to be executed on the field. The team that can do it well have better chances of winning.”

Tamim, however, believes the Bangladesh bowlers can do exactly that.

“Miraz and Mustafizur are both very good bowlers, there is no doubt about it. If we want to keep ourselves ahead, they have to do really well,” Tamim added.

“Shakib, Mustafizur and Miraz in particular [have to bowl very well]. They are our key bowlers. If they can perform well, we can definitely stay ahead.”

But the bowlers doing well is only half of the story. The rest depends on the batsmen who must come up with their best if Bangladesh want to keep the Aussies on a knife- edge.

Tamim, set for his 50th Test on Sunday, stressed the value of patience for that.

“As a team we’ll try to win both Tests. When we take to the field on the 27th [of August], we’ll definitely think that we’re walking out there for a win.

“But everybody should remember a five-day game is never over in only an hour. A five-day match needs to played out for five whole days. A result comes through playing every minute of it,” he said.

Bangladesh fans hope Tamim and his teammates are prepared to show that temperament from Sunday.

Having made his Test debut against New Zealand in Dunedin on January, 2008, the left-handed batsman is looking forward to achieving something memorable in his milestone match.

“There is no extra excitement but 50th Test is a special moment. The goal will be to make the occasion memorable through my own performance or the team’s.”

Incidentally, Shakib, too, will reach his 50-Test landmark in the first Test.

“Shakib and I are going to play our 50th Test, it will be a fine achievement. If we can’t pull off anything memorable here, if there is no result, it will remain only as a number.

“I will try to give it my best shot, Shakib will surely do the same.”