‘Can’t recall when I last played Test cricket’

The dearth of domestic longer-version cricket and Test matches is taking its toll on the national cricketers of Bangladesh as Tigers allrounder Shakib Al Hasan can hardly recall the last time he represented his country in the longer version of the game.

"We will find out how confident we are under match conditions. Till now, we're all trying hard to prepare ourselves, and since we didn't play four-day matches at the domestic level, I can hardly remember when I last played in the longer version of the game," explained Shakib when he spoke to the media today.

"It is difficult for me, but let's see what happens. I'm trying to build up the proper mindset for Test cricket. Honestly speaking, there isn't a great deal to prepare for, but the mind has to be ready." Bangladesh allrounder added.

Bangladesh last played Test cricket on August 30, 2015 against South Africa at Mirpur. Incessant rain only allowed the first day's play possible. In the year 2015, Bangladesh played two Tests against Pakistan, one against India and two against the Proteas.

Shakib is the leading wicket-taker for Bangladesh in Tests with 147 victims in 42 matches at an average of 33. He is also the third highest run-scorer after Tamim Iqbal and Habibul Bashar with 2823 runs to his name.

The first of the two Tests starts on Thursday in Chittagong. Both Bangladesh and England will arrive at Dhaka for the second Test, due to begin on October 28.