Can Mushfiq defy recent form to reach 7,000?

Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim is on the brink of becoming the first Tiger to score 7,000 runs in Test cricket, but recent inconsistency has left questions over whether he will reach the landmark in the Mirpur Test against the West Indies.

The experienced batter has managed only one half-century in his last seven innings across four Tests. He has been dismissed for a duck twice and scored fewer than 10 runs in three other innings. However, his 81 in the second innings of the most recent Test in Abu Dhabi offered signs of a return to form.

The former skipper has scored 6,957 runs in 106 Tests at an average of 39.08, leaving him 43 runs short of the 7,000-run milestone. He now has the opportunity to become the first Bangladesh batter to achieve the feat in the upcoming Mirpur Test.

The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium is one of Mushfiq’s favourite venues. Two of his three Test double-centuries have come there, including his career-best unbeaten 219. Ten of his 14 Test centuries have also been scored at the venue.

While his career batting average stands at 39.08, Mushfiq averages 46.82 in Mirpur. He has scored 2,107 runs in 29 Tests at the ground, where he became the first Bangladesh batter to reach 2,000 Test runs. Now, the familiar venue could provide the setting for another landmark.

There was some concern over Mushfiq’s availability ahead of the first Test after he injured a finger while batting in the nets at the academy ground of the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old was struck by a short-pitched delivery from a net bowler and immediately sat down in pain before leaving the nets.

However, there was reassuring news regarding the injury. National team physiotherapist Bayezidul Islam provided immediate treatment, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said there was no major concern over Mushfiq’s availability.

‘So far, he is fine. I haven’t heard anything to suggest that he won’t be able to play,’ Shanto told on Tuesday.