Shakib Al Hasan has a prime opportunity to join cricketing legends Ian Botham, Kapil Dev, Jacques Kallis, and Daniel Vettori in an exclusive group. The Bangladeshi all-rounder aims to be the fifth cricketer to achieve over 4000 runs and 250 wickets in Test cricket. At 37 years old, he requires just eight more wickets to enter this distinguished list.
The player from Magura will have the opportunity to reach this milestone when the Tigers take on India in a two-match Test series, beginning Thursday, September 19, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In 69 Tests, Shakib has accumulated 4543 runs at an average of 38.50 and has taken 242 wickets with an economy rate of 2.94.
Shakib Al Hasan is set to play a pivotal role
With extensive experience, it’s clear that Shakib is anticipated to make a significant impact in the demanding conditions in India. Nevertheless, the veteran has struggled with his batting form recently, including a poor performance for Surrey in their County Championship match against Somerset.
Bangladesh selector Hannan Sarkar expressed concern about Shakib’s current batting form but also mentioned that it is only a “matter of time” before he regains his form.
“Shakib is not in rhythm. Form is very important, and he isn’t in form. But in Test cricket, you get time to return to form. In T20Is and ODIs, you don’t get enough time as batters need to get on with it quickly. I believe that given the stature of Shakib as a player, it’s only a matter of time before he gets back to form,” Sarkar said in a press conference.
However, Shakib is in outstanding bowling form, having taken nine wickets against Somerset, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings.
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