Photo: Firoz Ahmed
Bangladesh opener Zakir Hasan burst onto the scene with a century on Test debut against India last year and came close to scoring a second hundred in just his third Test on Friday. The left-hander garnered praises of his head coach Chandika Hathurusingha following the Tigers’ record win against Afghanistan. The Sri Lankan appreciated Zakir’s ability to handle both pacers and spinners with authority. In an exclusive interview with Mazhar Uddin of The Daily Star, the 25-year-old spoke about his game, ambition and more. The excerpts of the interview are as follows:
The Daily Star (DS): What was going through your mind after having missed the last series against Ireland due to injury?
Zakir Hasan (ZH): To be honest, I didn’t think much as I had prepared myself during the A team’s four-day series against West Indies. I think the match-practice went well for me ahead of the Afghanistan Test. I never thought of making a comeback but focused only on the task ahead and gave my best.
DS: How did you adjust to the revamped Mirpur pitch?
ZH: We don’t normally play on such wickets in Mirpur, with grass in it. So, it was a challenge for the batters and the bounce was not even all the time as well. But ultimately, I don’t think much about what’s not in my hand, rather focus more on how I can bat well. Perhaps not thinking much helped me, to some extent. The type of wicket we played against Afghanistan will certainly help us to gain some confidence when we play abroad.
DS: Do you feel a bit unlucky to miss out on a ton?
ZH: Obviously, all batters wish to score a hundred in every innings. I was looking forward to the hundred and it was unexpected after I got run out in my seventies. I think it will remain as a lesson for me whenever I bat in such a situation in future.
DS: Is the ability to stay at the crease for long your key strength?
ZH: Kind of. In Test matches there is nothing to hurry as a top-order [batter] and the more you can spend time at the crease, the better. It also helps to understand the game and make the innings a big one.
DS: Do you wish to be an all-format player or just focus on Tests?
ZH: To be honest, I should have the ability to play all formats. Whenever there is a Test, I have to focus on it and since there is a long gap now, I will try to work on my batting for the other formats as well and prepare for the future.
DS: Having much-improved fast bowlers as teammates, does that elevate your game?
ZH: Definitely. When you have a really good pace-bowling unit and you face them at the nets, it actually boosts your confidence to face any bowler in world cricket.
DS: Do you look up to anyone as a batting role model?
ZH: Not really. I never tried to copy anyone but I try to be the best version of myself. However, yes, I really enjoy [Mominul Haque] Showrav bhai’s batting and admire his sense of discipline.
