Mashrafe Mortaza Harbouring Hopes Of Test Comeback

Veteran Bangladesh pacer Mashrafe Mortaza has still not given up on his hopes of returning to Test cricket. Bangladesh’s ODI skipper’s Test career was derailed due to a spate of injuries and the several surgeries that he underwent on both his two knees. However, buoyed by his recent injury-free spells, the right-arm pacer is once again harbouring hopes of donning the white jersey.

An integral part of the ODI team, the 34-year old, whose last Test appearance came way back in 2009, said that it is still too early to comment about his comeback in the longest format of the game but refused to rule out the possibility. Mortaza, who led Bangladesh to the semifinal of this year’s Champions Trophy, said that he would try making a Test comeback if everything goes according to plan.

“Every player has the passion to play Test cricket. Though I am 34 now, I still have that desire to bowl in white dress. Basically I have to take everything into consideration,” Mashrafe told Cricbuzz.

“So it is difficult to specify when I can make the comeback but surely I will try making an attempt if everything goes according to plan . I have made substantial amount of progress in my fitness and that is giving me the ray of hope. Now I want to improve on that fitness and see where it stands,” the 34-year-old added. “Now if I can develop my fitness and after playing first-class cricket I can make significant amount of progress, then why not make a Test comeback.”

The news outlet also claimed that Bangladesh Cricket Board President Nazmul Hasan had asked the veteran pacer if he was still considering playing Test cricket during a recent board meeting. The meeting was also attended by other captains and the team management.

Mortaza, who has represented Bangladesh in 182 ODIs and 54 T20Is, has managed to play just 36 Tests so far despite making his debut way back in 2001.

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