‘Boring’ Mushfiqur drives team-first approach

Mushfiqur Rahim appeared for a press conference after Day 2 of the second Test against Ireland, already making the landmark 100th Test feel more special with a ton yesterday. The dedication to succeed and keep improving, qualities that make Mushfiqur's Test career so special in Bangladesh cricket, were reflected in his talk with the press; the excerpts of which are as follows:

Question: You've played 100 Tests and celebrated it with a century. If you could tell us how you're feeling?
Mushfiqur Rahim (MR): I actually can't believe that, being a player, especially from Bangladesh, I would play 100 Tests. So, it's really a huge achievement. That's not only because it's my name; I think for any cricketer, for any nation, it's a proud moment.

Q: When you look back at the 20-year journey, do you have any regrets in Test cricket?
MR: No, but being a senior player, I have one wish that, hopefully, by the time I leave this team, Bangladesh can at least be in the top six.

Q: You have experienced many things in your career. What are the highlights for you in your career?
MR: The way I improved each and every day… In the last 20 years, I haven't batted for a whole day and been 99 not out, which is a new experience and something I really enjoyed last night as well. Cricket is a game where, even after 20 years, you can experience many new things.

Q: What were your plans for the 100th Test and what expectations did you put on yourself?
MR: I always try in every match to give my best effort and to contribute as much as possible for the team's winning cause. And yesterday, at the beginning of the match, I said something in the huddle that, whether it's the 100th match or any milestone for me or anyone else, it's always 'team comes first'. And I said that, for Bangladesh, I, Mushfiqur Rahim, feel like a couple of drops of water in an ocean. Bangladesh always comes first, team come first, and winning this match will be my biggest gift.

Q: How much further do you have the urge to go?

MR: Playing every Test for Bangladesh is very special for me… As long as my team management wants me or the team wants me, and as long as I feel from inside that, yes, my team needs me, I intend to continue.

Q: How have you maintained yourself throughout this long journey?
MR: To be honest, I am actually a boring person. I can do exactly the same thing over and over in practice... I don't compromise on professionalism. Whether I score 100 or I score zero, that's not my success, it's not in my hand, but the effort, the process, the honesty is in my hand. So, that's my only motto in life. At the huddle [before the game] I said that I feel like I am playing my first game today. I was that eager and excited.

Q: Your Test cap has stayed with you all these years. Did you think you would be able to carry this cap for so long?
MR: For a player, I think, as I said, the ultimate format among the three formats is Test. And the biggest thing in Test is your baggy green cap. So, if a player doesn't understand the honour of this, it cannot be explained to him.

Q: What sacrifice do you think brought you here today?
MR: I think the biggest sacrifice is the support my wife has given me. You also know, or maybe see, that I practise more than others. And that would never have been possible if I didn't have such an environment at home.

Q: To whom do you want to dedicate this achievement?
MR: To my grandparents… They were actually my biggest fans when they were alive.