Mahidul Islam Ankon, the young wicketkeeper batsman for Bangladesh, feels that after learning his lesson in his first Test match against South Africa, he is now more equipped to face the task.
After wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali was ruled out with a concussion for the second Test, Mahidul got a stunning last-minute Test call-up for the Chattogram Test against South Africa in October of last year. Litton Das, Bangladesh’s first-choice wicketkeeper, was unwell and had to make room for the new player.
Before he could take the pitch to represent Dhaka Division versus Chattogram Division at BKSP 4, Mahidul had to depart right away to join the national squad, therefore he was called up from the middle of a National Cricket League match, the nation’s traditional first-class competition.
He made his debut the next day against South Africa, and he might want to forget it soon because he made a number of mistakes behind the wickets in addition to his meagre efforts of 0 and 29 in front of it.
Litton has chosen to skip the Test series in order to play in the upcoming Pakistan Super League, hence Mahidul’s name is once more up for debate before the Test series against Zimbabwe.
Mahidul Islam believes he has learnt his lessons and is now more aware of what must be done to meet the demands of playing cricket internationally.
“I don’t want to make any excuses because I was playing the game at the time and I was probably carrying the NCL (game) in my head. Mahidul told Cricbuzz, “But now I feel like I could get another chance, so I am accordingly preparing myself mentally as well.”
“I think I was anxious, so I tried to act excited (behind the wickets) to cover it up. I believe that having fun while playing the game is crucial.
“The first Test is over, but I feel like I was dismissed early in the first innings and, despite getting a start in the second, was unable to convert it into a significant score. I’ve learnt all of those lessons.
It’s a game of bat and ball in the end, in my opinion, but what matters most is adjusting to the circumstances and surroundings. I’m feeling good, improving my performance by addressing my weaknesses, and getting ready as best I can. This time, I think I have enough time to get ready, and if given the chance, I think I can contribute positively to the team.”
Since he will be sharing the national dressing room with his mentor, Mohammad Salahuddin, who is currently the senior assistant coach of the Bangladeshi team, Mahidul insisted that he will feel more at ease there.
“I think having him around is always good considering he knows me very well and can always relieve the tension whenever I am over-thinking about anything – I am saying it on the basis of my experience of playing under him in different domestic tournaments,” he said.
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