Mashrafe urges Bangladesh to remain ‘realistic’ about chances in the India Test

 

Bangladesh ODI captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza has said the home side should first think about a draw against India in the one-off Test and be ‘realistic’.

The match will start on Wednesday at Fatullah’s Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium.

“(We) have to bat very well. But just batting well does not win Tests, only helps draw them. Wickets and strategies should be built with that in mind,” Mashrafe told bdnews24.com on Monday.

“I think a draw will be a pretty good result.”

“I keep saying we might face the opposite consequences if we go for too much in Tests right now. As batting is our strength in Test, we should focus on that.”

Mashrafe, who does not feature in the Test, is reluctant to label the mentality of going for a draw as negative.

“We will definitely play to win. But we have to be realistic. When we will have the sure-fire ability to take 20 wickets, we will plan according to that.

“(But) in reality if we can score 450 or 500 and if bowlers can bowl in the right areas to restrict their (India) batsmen, we can manage a draw. If that effort creates an opportunity to win, that will be even better.”

Mashrafe believes Bangladesh will someday start winning Tests on a regular basis. The Tigers’ rise in ODIs has given the 31-year old hope.

“We used to once lose all matches badly in ODIs. We started to fight back a bit and fought harder later.

“Then we started winning some matches. Now we win regularly. We will develop similarly in Tests.

“So I am saying losing by trying to win won’t help now. Rather by drawing regularly we will learn to win some day. And we will keep winning.”