Yasir and Hasan looks to cash on their opportunity

Bangladesh Test team, which was announced on Sunday, had two surprise inclusions. Batsman Yasir Ali, and Pacer Mahmudul Hasan, got the nod for the Test team for the first time.

Yasir Ali has been around the national team for a while now. He got selected for the national team before last year's world cup to play in the Ireland tri-series. But could not make the final cut to the XI. This time he will be a part of the Test squad which will face Zimbabwe. He is a seasoned performer in the local first-class scene. Yasir played 50 FC matches and has 6 centuries.

Unlike Yasir, Mahmudul Hasan did not have to hang around longer. One good BPL season and the young 20 year old was one everyone's radar. He scalped 13 wickets in 10 BPL outings and played 11 FC matches.

Here is what the youngsters had to say when The Business Standard talked to them about their call up to the Test team. 

TBS: How does it feel to get called up in the Test side for the first time?

Yasir: I am feeling great, and feel honoured to get the call for the Test side.

Hasan: Nothing can top this news. I am very happy and excited.

TBS: Were you expecting to be called up for the Test side?

Yasir: I always hoped for playing Tests for Bangladesh. That is why getting called up is a big thing for me. Obviously, there were expectations about being selected.

Hasan: It is tough to say. Playing in any format is tough. I will have to work hard and do well to stay in focus.

TBS: BCB called you up because they considered you to be fit for Tests. From your point of view, how prepared are you to play Test cricket?

Yasir: I have been scoring runs in the longer version. Maybe that is why the selectors found me worthy. I am very confident from my point of view.

Hasan: I went through a specific plan in the BPL. This is a different format, the planning will be different. Obviously I believe in myself. But getting selected helps that belief to get even stronger. I feel that I am on the right path.

TBS: How are you planning on playing if you are selected in the first XI?

Yasir: I am not thinking about that right now because I don't know if I will play. If I play, I will try to play my normal game. The rest is in the hands of the Almighty.

Hasan: I am in the squad, I will now train with the team. I will do whatever the team does. If I get selected, I will try to give my best.

TBS: Every bowler or batsman has a specific strength. What is yours?

Yasir: In the longer version, I like to stay in the wicket. When I bat, even if runs are not coming, I feel good to stay at the wicket. If I can stay at the crease, then I can score runs. I can keep my cool in difficult situations, you can call that my strength.

Hasan: My line-length might be considered my strength. I always try to bowl in areas in which the batsmen feel uncomfortable. I will try to bowl in the same manner. And I have an extra advantage in pace.

TBS: Even if you don't play, you will get the opportunity to share the dressing room with the national team players, you will get to hear from them in different situations. How vital will it be for your future?

Yasir: This is a big opportunity. You can take experiences of international cricket here (dressing room). This helps to take decisions in similar situations in the future. This is very helpful for any new player.

Hasan: This is very important for a cricketer to spend time with experienced teammates, learn about the experience of the international players. This helps a player to prepare himself.