Bangladesh batter Mominul Haque has advised his teammates to concentrate on the present and avoid dwelling on past performances or future outcomes as they gear up for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, starting August 21.
Mominul, when questioned by Cricbuzz about whether the series against Pakistan could set the tone for the remaining six red-ball games in 2024, expressed scepticism about the concept of momentum. He questioned the belief that starting well in one match guarantees success in subsequent games, or that a poor start will lead to continuous failures. Mominul accentuated that focusing on making a comeback after a rough start is crucial for growth and improvement. He argued that if a team fails to bounce back, it risks remaining stagnant and unable to elevate its status.
He elaborated that performing well on one occasion is not enough; the key lies in striving for consistency every day. Even if setbacks occur, the ability to recover and perform better the next time is what truly matters. Mominul stressed that the concept of momentum should not hold too much weight, as clinging to it could prevent Bangladesh from rising above their current eighth-ranked position.
In Test cricket, Mominul explained, situations can change rapidly, and adapting to these changes is essential for success. He highlighted the importance of patience and seizing opportunities to regain control of the game, even after losing quick wickets. He pointed out that the constantly evolving conditions in a Test match require players to adjust their strategies accordingly.
Reflecting on Bangladesh's last Test series in Pakistan, Mominul noted that despite playing on batting-friendly wickets, they struggled due to the challenges posed by the old ball, which is known for reverse swing—an art mastered by Pakistani pacers. He warned his teammates not to get complacent about the batting conditions in Pakistan, as the real test often comes with the old ball. Mominul pointed out the need to be prepared for every situation, especially when facing reverse swing.
Bangladesh has played 13 Test matches against Pakistan, managing only one draw and losing the remaining 12. However, Mominul believes that if Bangladesh can bat well, they have a good chance of turning their fortunes around, given their strong bowling attack. He pointed out that while Bangladesh's batting has often been a weak link, their bowling department, particularly the pace bowlers, has shown significant improvement, which could give them an edge.
Mominul shared that their preparation for the Test series went well, thanks to the Bangladesh Tigers camp arranged by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The camp, focused on red-ball cricket, was designed to prepare players for the upcoming eight Test matches scheduled for this year, starting with the Pakistan series. Mominul also highlighted the importance of playing practice matches before a Test series, noting that it helps players get into the rhythm and adapt to the conditions.
As a Test specialist who regularly features in domestic cricket, Mominul expressed concerns about the stagnant standard of Bangladesh's domestic cricket. He echoed the sentiments of former chief selector Minhajul Abedin, who recently suggested that Test regulars should seek opportunities to play long-form cricket abroad to improve their skills. Mominul agreed, stating that playing county cricket or participating in four-day matches in countries like Australia would be more beneficial than playing in Bangladesh's domestic setup.
In summary, Mominul urged his teammates to stay focused, adapt to changing situations, and embrace the challenges that come with playing in Pakistan. He highlighted the importance of preparation and continuous improvement, both at home and abroad, to elevate Bangladesh's performance on the global stage.