Ireland coach Heinrich Malan paid rich tribute to Bangladesh stalwart Mushfiqur Rahim as the veteran wicketkeeper-batter prepares to become the first Bangladeshi to reach the milestone of 100 Test appearances.
“Mushfiqur is up early every morning, first on the bus, first in the nets, already doing his warm-ups and hitting balls before others arrive,” Malan said on Monday. “Consistently putting in those hours when the lights are off is what sets you up to perform when it matters.”
While acknowledging the historic occasion, Malan added a touch of competitive banter. “Hopefully it doesn’t go too well for him over the next five days, but congratulations on this fantastic achievement.”
Ireland returned to Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium for the second Test, marking their first appearance at the venue since their debut there in 2023.
With spin expected to play a major role, Malan said the visitors are focused on adapting quickly and applying lessons from their previous tour experience.
