Mominul Haque, a former captain of Bangladesh’s test team, finally scored a century in a test match after a wait of 26 months. The match, which took place earlier this month in Mirpur and was the Tigers’ one-off match against Afghanistan, was Mominul Haque’s first century at the format. Under his leadership, the pace unit improved to the point that it now has Bangladesh in a stronger position as a Test team.
In an exclusive interview with Abdullah Al Mehdi of The Daily Star, the left-handed batter talked about the procedures of the most recent test match against Afghanistan, his perspective on being a captain, the method he employs to keep himself prepared, and a great deal more. The following are some portions from the interview that were taken:
Mostbet Agent (MA): After completing your ton, do you feel more secure about the impending tests?
Mominul Haque (MH): It goes without saying that someone who earns a hundred is confident in themselves. However, you will need to change the method that you prepare. The future competitions all have challenging adversaries for us to face. We have to play cricket in a manner that is more organized and planned, and I have to work on improving my strokes, which are already allowing me to score runs. The primary focus should be on ensuring the continuity of the process.
MA: Could you tell me about the conditions at the Mirpur wicket?
MH: We made preparations while we were going through our training sessions. On day two, the wicket exhibited a new pattern of behavior. It’s possible that losing the coin toss was for the best. In point of fact, there are times when we are confused about what is going on with the Mirpur wicket. The cloud cover is the single most important factor, in my opinion, but others may have a different point of view.
MA: Bangladesh only participates in a limited number of tests. What role does the practice of visualizing what you want to happen have in getting you ready? Is it compatible with all bowling balls?
MH: When you have some free time, you may try closing your eyes and imagining several scenarios in which a bowler is bowling to you in different locations. The most skilled players are all familiar with how to apply such strategy. In my imagination, I try to see everything, even the location of the bowlers’ wrists and how they run up the pitch.
For example, you may be seeing a bowler for the first time in a long time, but if you use visualization, you won’t experience any of those feelings. Watching films to obtain a sense of someone’s strength and then visualizing that strength in my head is a component of the process that I go through.
How did the team get itself ready for such a wicket, MA?
MH: I have the impression that our pace-bowling unit has made significant progress. As a result, our batting is of a higher quality. Our bowlers bowled in productive locations and generated situations on the field that were similar to actual matches. They did not bowl to us in a way that took into account the areas in which the batters excelled. They made my life difficult in many ways. And it wasn’t just me; all of the batters did it.
MA: You provided this group of pacers with the necessary assistance. You are the most capable captain, according to Ebadot. What are your thoughts on the matter?
MH: They did not have a lot of experience playing in tests, but I believed that the more they played, the better they would get. However, it is not enough to simply support a player; he must also be willing to provide the goods. They should be given the credit, in my opinion.
After being given opportunities, they were aware that there was room for improvement in their performance. There were a lot of players in Bangladesh who were encouraged to take advantage of the chance by their leaders, but they didn’t. However, Ebadot has the quality of being willing to advance. That is the most significant aspect, not the fact that credit is being given to me for the work.
MA: Since Chandika Hathurusingha took over, do we have a better understanding of how test matches are played? Is Bangladeshi test cricket currently at its most successful level ever?
MH: The younger players are joining the squad with a higher level of maturity than in the past. They have a better understanding of their roles. When it comes to tests, you have to play at a high level no matter who you are up against. In the most recent pair of tests, especially the one played against Afghanistan, I had the impression that the level of competition was really high.
The level of intensity grows when bowlers have success, but the next problem we have is figuring out how to encourage them when they aren’t having success bowling. That is the sign of a formidable squad.
MA: Shakib Al Hasan was not there, but the team continued with the procedure despite his absence. What exactly is this method that everyone seems to be talking about?
MH: The only way for a team to get strong outcomes is for them to consistently follow the method, regardless of whether or not their best player is there. Now, rather than being focused on the end product, our attention is directed more into the process. Every single batter and every single player goes through a certain routine.
My preparation for a match begins a couple of weeks to a few months in advance. It continues all the way through my routine as I’m getting ready for the game up to the day before it. The strength I have as a batter is a component of the process, as is what I will be practicing, and both of these things are parts of the whole process. The development of my abilities, as well as my mental and physical toughness, are all components of my journey. In a similar fashion, the group similarly follows a procedure.
MA: Do you foresee a future in which you will serve as Captain of Bangladesh? Do you foresee the emergence of new leaders emerging from the pack?
MH: No, I don’t love captaincy. In my opinion, stepping down from the captaincy is the best option. I believe that Shakib bhai is an effective leader, and if somebody comes after him, I feel that Liton is there to take their place. In addition to that, [Mehedi Hasan] Miraz and Najmul Hossain [Shanto] are present. The ones in question are those three.
MA: Are you interested in playing any other formats?
MH: Yes, I do want to play white-ball cricket, but in order to do so, I need to have consistent success in the Tests. This allows me to approach the door and knock on it. No matter where I play, I always have certain objectives in mind, but right now I’m focused on doing well in the Premier League. And not only at that location; I play all over the place.
What much of a chance does Bangladesh have of winning the Asia Cup and the World Cup? Is this the finest chance Bangladesh has had thus far?
MH: In the year 2027, there will also be a favorable opportunity. The One-Day International World Cup in 2023 presents a significant potential for us. There are a significant number of veterans on the squad who have played a significant number of games. The junior stars are consistently putting in strong performances, and the bowling line-up, particularly the pacers, is quite strong. I am not putting a lot of thought into the Asia Cup. The World Cup has not lived up to my expectations thus far.