Aim is to win both Tests Shakib

Aim is to win both Tests Shakib

Sakib al Hasan believes that Bangladesh are capable of beating Australia by a big margin in the upcoming Test series. The hosts will take on Australia at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday in the two-Test series opener while the series concludes with the last game in Chittagong from September 4.

Sakib, who will be playing his 50th Test for Bangladesh, acknowledged he's excited and determined to make a mark. "I think it is possible to win both Test matches," Sakib told reporters in Mirpur while pointing out his ambitions against the Aussies on Thursday (August 24). "There is no reason why we can't do that.

"If you ask me about my own expectations then I would say with it would be to win both Tests."

Shakib made his Test debut in 2007 but in the last decade has played just 49 Tests. He has established himself as a vital pillar in Bangladesh cricket in all formats. The allrounder, though, said he doesn't regret not getting more Tests.

"I don't have much regret in my life. I am very much happy with what has happened with me. I would feel much better if I could play more matches," he said. "Those matches I have played and had a good performance, all are important to me.

"I would say the Test match against England in 2016 is the most memorable one. As my individual performance, I can remember my 92 runs against West Indies. Scoring 217 against New Zealand was a big achievement for me."

Sakib will be joined by Tamim Iqbal to play 50 Test matches for Bangaldesh. Shakib went on to warn the visitors about Bangladesh's intentions and said the conditions won't make it easy for the Australians. "They are one side who they have a culture to adapt in every condition in a quick span of time," Shakib pointed out. "Although it will very tough considering there will be rain as well as heat but they will try to cope with it as they had done previously.

"We have to play our best cricket if we want to defeat them. We have to do well in every aspect if we want to win a Test match. We have to bat and bowl well. Whichever team they may send, they are a difficult opponent in every condition. They can cope with the conditions around the world very fast and no other team can do better than them.

"They are the strongest opponent for us although they are, for now, an inexperience side. They didn't perform well in India and Sri Lanka in recent times. I hope that they will continue the streak and we'll do well against them."

Shakib felt having spinners, who know the conditions better, will help their cause. "I think our spin attack is better than theirs," he said. "Not in all conditions but in Bangladesh, we are better than them. Taijul and Miraz [Mehidy] have been bowling well for some time now. I believe they will do something fantastic in this series."

Sakib added he's excited finally able to play a Test against Australia. "It's exciting that I will be playing a Tes against Australia as I've played already played a few ODI's and T20s against them. It will be an experience and it is really thrilling," he said. "Australia and England take Test matches differently from what others do and playing against such opponent is really a awe-inspiring experience."