In 2022, Zakir Hasan became only the fourth Bangladeshi batter to score a hundred on Test debut against India. He backed up that performance with a few more impressive knocks but in the last few series, the 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has failed to live up to expectations. With the Test series against Zimbabwe coming up, Zakir, who has been named in the 15-man squad for the first Test, expressed his expectations from the series during an interview with The Daily Star's Samsul Arefin Khan. The excerpts are as follows:

The Daily Star (DS): Bangladesh will be playing a Test series after a gap of almost five months. During this period, the players have mostly played white-ball cricket. Would adjusting to the red-ball be an issue?

Zakir Hasan (ZH): Of course, this is a difficult situation for all the players. When you play in one or two formats for three to four months and then play in another format, it's quite difficult. But as professional cricketers, we can't use it as an excuse. We don't play Tests as frequently as some other teams. It becomes a problem for the players who are in a flow in the format but then have to wait for a while for another series. But I feel every player who plays in this format always tries to remain mentally prepared for it.

DS: Your Test career started well, but now your presence in the playing XI has become sporadic. What are your expectations from the Zimbabwe series?

ZH: I think this series is very important for me. If I get the opportunity to play, I will try to regain my lost rhythm. I want to maintain the process and deliver my best performance.

DS: You made your international debut in the T20 format back in 2018 and have delivered with the bat in previous editions of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Still, you are labelled as a red-ball cricketer. What's your view on that?

ZH: It's somewhat frustrating to me. In 2018, I got the chance to play one T20I and then I didn't get any more matches. To be honest, I had no idea that I was going to get picked for the T20I side at that time. Before that series, there was a camp consisting of 33 players but I wasn't picked for that. But all of a sudden, I was picked for the side. After that, I was told by the selectors that I would be picked in another series but as I was struggling with some injuries, I was unable to play. I also got the opportunity to play in two ODIs but in separate times. It's difficult to play when you are being picked after a while or when there is some gap between your selection. Those were good opportunities for me but I couldn't grab them. But at the same time, if I'm given assurance that I'm not getting picked for only one match and will be able to play in one or two series, it will be easier for me and for the other players to prepare accordingly. I love Test cricket but I don't want to be labelled as only a Test player. I want to be a three-format cricketer.

DS: With some seniors no longer in the Test team, do you feel there is an added responsibility on others right now? ZH: I think Bangladesh cricket is very grateful to those senior cricketers. They have brilliantly served the team. But if you want to win matches, everyone, not just the seniors, will have to contribute in the same way. As a top-order batter, I have to play my part as others have to do so in their positions. I think everyone should take responsibility. If we can score 650 to 700 runs collectively in two innings, we have the ability to win matches. We are taking 20 wickets consistently at the moment. Now it's the responsibility of the batters, from the top to number seven, to perform from their respective positions.