DHAKA, Bangladesh (CMC):
ON THE eve of becoming the first Bangladeshi cricketer to play 100 Test matches, Mushfiqur Rahim was hailed by coach Phil Simmons, who credited the batsman’s unwavering professionalism and burning desire as the secrets to his historic longevity.
The series-concluding second Test against Ireland, starting Wednesday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, has been christened “Mushi’s Test” in honour of the occasion.
To celebrate the milestone and encourage youth involvement, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is offering free entry to students and teachers.
Amid the festivities, which will see former captain Habibul Bashar present a special cap and BCB president Aminul Islam award a special crest, Trinidadian Simmons insisted that the focus should be on Mushfiqur’s dedication.
“Well, I think first of all, we have to acknowledge his professionalism, his longevity, and just his desire to play cricket for Bangladesh,” Simmons told reporters yesterday.
“To get 100 Test matches, with Bangladesh not playing 15 a year, it has taken him a period of time, and we must appreciate that.”
Simmons, who previously coached the West Indies, has worked with Mushfiqur for a short time but has been deeply impressed. “The professionalism is extremely high, and I will be so happy for him tomorrow when that occasion comes,” he added.
The coach pinpointed this professionalism as the cornerstone of Mushfiqur’s 17-year career.
“It’s how you carry yourself, how you work at improving your game, and how you work at being successful at an international level,” Simmons explained.
“He has been successful, and that keeps him there. But there is also a desire in him to continue to do well. That’s the big thing, the desire to continue to improve and perform.”
Simmons also highlighted Mushfiqur’s evolving game as a lesson for the next generation.
“At this level, you cannot be stagnant. People are assessing you all the time, so you have to always try and evolve. And I’m sure he has evolved many times since he started.”
