Shoriful enjoying Test cricket from the bench

Shoriful Islam, the left-arm fast bowler, has earned his first call-up to the Test team and is genuinely excited to be part of the set-up. While speaking to the media, the tall, lanky pacer said that it was thrilling to watch the proceedings so closely.

"I was the fourteenth man for the first time. I hadn't watched a Test match this closely before. Test cricket is really interesting. It changes its direction just about every session. I never felt like I was away from the action," he said.

Test cricket requires immense mental strength and physical fitness. On top of that, it was really hot and humid during the first Test.

Shoriful said, "Test cricket is tough. The temperature was high. I was happy to carry drinks for fellow fast bowlers and speak to them about the match. It's exciting as well as tiring. It's all part of the game and we have to do well overcoming all these obstacles."

Shoriful said that he would put in his best effort if given a chance. He said, "Our pacers bowled a lot of overs. Taskin (Ahmed) bhai and Ebadot (Hossain) bhai bowled with a lot of pace. It's a format where you have to give your hundred per cent. I will try to do so if given an opportunity."

Shoriful informed that he has been learning swing bowling and the right grip from Otis Gibson, the pace bowling coach. 

Shoriful always credits Alamgir Kabir, his coach from early days. "My coach was a Test player. He always told me that Test cricket is the best cricket. I will give my hundred per cent if I get an opportunity to represent Bangladesh in this format."

Shoriful said that he enjoys the batting of Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim. "I really love watching Mushfiqur (Rahim) bhai bat. I am yet to get him out. I want to dismiss him in any form of cricket. I enjoy watching the batting of Tamim (Iqbal) bhai and Mushfiq bhai. A nice and healthy fight is going on between me and them at the nets," Shoriful concluded.