Taskin savours rare Test chance in Australia

Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed had a busy media day in Darwin on Monday.

He attended the promotion of the two-match Test series alongside Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey and opener Jake Weatherald.

The right-armer also had a media session with Australian journalists, where he shared his feelings about being fortunate enough to play Test cricket in Australia.

Bangladesh last played Test cricket in Australia back in 2003, when Khaled Mahmud was the captain of the side.

Australia were led by the great Steve Waugh.

In between, Bangladesh’s golden generation could not get the opportunity to play a Test match on Australian soil.

Taskin, rightly so, expressed how fortunate he and this current group of players are to play Test cricket in Australia.

“We are really honoured to be here to play a Test series against Australia. No doubt Australia is one of the biggest teams in the world and playing in Australia against Australia in Test cricket, it's a really proud moment for every one of our players,” he said on Monday in Darwin.

Taskin, who has played white-ball cricket in Australia since his age-group days, sounded excited about the opportunity.

“First time here in Darwin for me, pretty warm and nice weather, similar to Bangladesh. So, I've been to Australia a few times before, but the first time was in Darwin, and the first time in a Test series. So, I'm really enjoying it,” he added.

Tigers have already had a taste of Australia as they suffered a heavy defeat in the practice match against a Cricket Australia XI, despite Mehidy Hasan Miraz scoring an unbeaten ton.

The 31-year-old, however, said the practice match served its purpose.

“That wasn't a great feeling after losing that practice game. But that happens in cricket. We are also still trying to adjust to the conditions and pitches quickly. So far, that was a good preparation, but we lost. But still, we are hoping to do well in the main match,” he stated.

The senior pacer also said that Bangladesh will miss the absence of two recovering quicks, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, in the upcoming two-match Test series.

“You know, we're really going to miss them, especially Nahid Rana, who is a big threat nowadays in world cricket. Unfortunately, he got injured, but still, you know, like me, myself and some other bowlers, they have a little bit of experience to do well as well. But if they were there, Rana and Shoriful, it might’ve been different, but still, let's see; we are hoping to do well,” he explained.

The pacer also shared his admiration for Australian cricket and the fast bowlers they produce.

“I've been watching Australia team players, like the great fast bowlers, legendary players. So, now that I really have the opportunity to play against them. So, I'm really excited,” he added.

“Mitchell Starc!” he said with a laugh. “So, I've also played the 2015 World Cup here, the 2022 T20 World Cup, and also the Under-19 World Cup in 2012 here. So, Australia is my favourite place to bowl. And I have been watching Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins; even Scott Boland is also doing well. Really, if I have a chance to chat with them, I definitely will,” he concluded.