Mehidy Hasan Miraz lost Bangladesh’s ODI captaincy before the Test series against Australia. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) felt the all-rounder was under too much pressure while leading the side. The board wanted him to focus more on his individual performances.
The decision could have affected Mehidy mentally. He had been given the responsibility of leading Bangladesh until the next World Cup. His recent performances suggest the change has not affected his confidence. He scored a century in the only warm-up game before the Test and has continued to impress against Australia.
When asked if he arrived in Australia with something to prove after losing the ODI captaincy, Mehidy kept his response simple. “I think it can happen (losing ODI captaincy) and my mind set up is clear at this moment,” he said. He also added, “I know how to bowl the right area and how to get batting.”
Mehidy Rescues Bangladesh with the Bat
Bangladesh appeared to be in serious trouble after Australia took three wickets quickly on Day 2. Tanzid Hasan, Litton Kumar Das and Mushfiqur Rahim were all dismissed. The tourists looked close to losing control of the innings.
Mehidy had different plans. He could not spend much time batting with Mushfiqur, but he formed crucial partnerships with Bangladesh’s lower-order batters. His efforts helped Bangladesh take control of the Test and increased their hopes of securing a historic victory in Australia.
Najmul Hossain Shanto’s excellent 84 had given Bangladesh a strong foundation. Tanzid Hasan also played an important role in building the total. The innings then began to fall apart after Australia took the second new ball. Mehidy responded with a crucial rescue effort alongside Hasan Mahmud on Day 2 and continued his fight on the third morning.
Bangladesh started Day 3 at 351-6 but soon lost Hasan. Taijul Islam then scored a quick 17 from 23 balls, hitting one four and one six, before edging Josh Hazlewood to Cameron Green at gully. Mehidy stayed at the crease and reached his 10th Test fifty from 117 balls.
Abishek Porel Legal Case: Will He Miss IPL 2027 After Bail Plea Rejected?
Mehidy tires out the Australian attack
Mehidy eventually scored 65 from 154 balls. He spent more than one and a half hours at the crease on Day 2, facing 73 deliveries. On the third day, he batted for exactly 124 minutes and faced another 83 balls. His long stay put extra pressure on the Australian bowlers.
He shared two important 46-run partnerships with Hasan Mahmud and Taskin Ahmed. Mehidy scored 32 runs during his stand with Hasan and added 30 runs in his ninth-wicket partnership with Taskin. His approach gave the lower-order batters confidence to face the Australian attack.
Mehidy said the lower-order players took responsibility and supported each other. He admitted that batting became difficult after Mushfiqur’s dismissal. Instead of taking the entire responsibility himself, he trusted the bowlers at the other end to contribute. That approach helped Bangladesh add valuable runs.
Mehidy removes Steve Smith
Mehidy also made an important contribution with the ball later in the day. He dismissed Steve Smith for 44 after the Australian batter looked ready to produce another big score following his 71 in the first innings. Smith chipped a delivery back towards Mehidy, who reacted quickly to complete the return catch.
The off-spinner used changes in pace and kept Smith from finding easy scoring opportunities. Mehidy explained that his main focus was to bowl in the right areas and restrict the batter’s scoring options. “I just keep my plan simple,” he said.
Bangladesh stay focused on the win
Smith’s dismissal raised hopes of a major Bangladesh victory, with some even discussing the possibility of an innings win. Mehidy refused to look that far ahead. He stressed that Bangladesh still had work to do and needed to concentrate on taking wickets while controlling the scoring rate.
Mehidy pointed out that the pitch remained in good condition and taking wickets had not been easy. Bangladesh’s focus was to concede as few runs as possible and pick up the remaining wickets. With two days still left, he said the team wanted to take small steps instead of setting a distant target. “We want the fewer runs, the better for us,” Mehidy said.
Sri Lanka vs India 1st Test Weather Forecast: Rain Threat Looms Over Galle Opener