Amite wants to stick to domestic game plan in Tests

Amite Hasan believes there is no need to change his approach as he prepares for a second stint in Bangladesh’s Test squad, insisting he will stick to the methods that have served him well in domestic first-class cricket.

Amite made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in June after a series of consistent performances in domestic first-class cricket. However, he managed only four and 25 in the two innings of the Harare Test and was subsequently left out of the national side’s plans for the Test tours of Australia and the series against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

The young batter continued to work on his game at home, though, and produced a double century against Khulna in the fourth round of the recently concluded National Cricket League (NCL). His ability to bat for long periods helped earn him another call-up after Mominul Haque was injured during the Dhaka Test, opening the door for Amite to join the squad for the Sylhet Test.

Aware of the challenge ahead, Amite is determined not to put himself under additional pressure.

“I don't think there is any extra pressure. I will try to play the way I have been playing in domestic cricket,” Amite said.

He batted at No. 7 on his Test debut but could be pushed up to No. 3 in Sylhet in Mominul’s absence. Amite is mentally prepared for the possibility, while making it clear that the team’s requirements will take priority over his preferred batting position.

“Mominul bhai is unfortunately not available now. If I get the opportunity, I will try to bat the way I have been doing in first-class cricket. Besides, I think I should play wherever the team management wants me to,” he said.

Although Amit hails from Narayanganj, he represents Sylhet Division in the NCL and has some familiarity with the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. However, he is not assuming that the surface for the Test will behave like the one he has experienced in domestic matches.

“The wickets during the NCL and international matches are different. So far, I have seen a grass-covered pitch, but there are still one or two days before the match. We will have a better idea then,” he said.

“I played the last two NCL matches here. I can see some differences between the wicket then and the one now.”

Amite has looked up to Mushfiqur Rahim since childhood and is looking forward to sharing the dressing room with his idol. He also hopes to learn from the other senior members of the squad and use their experience to improve his batting and preparation.

“I talk to almost all the senior players. I discuss how I can improve my game and prepare better. I always try to learn from their experience,” he added.