Mushfiq in company of legends
Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim was named in Wisden’s Teenage Riot Test XI alongside greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Garry Sobers on Saturday.
Mushfiqur Rahim made his Test debut against England at Lord’s at the age of 18 years and 17 days. Since then he is the most reliable batsman for the Tigers in Test format. The Test XI features players who made their Test debut as teenagers but does not involve more than two players from one country. Also the players were picked based on not how they performed as teenagers, rather by considering how they performed or have been performing throughout their careers. Mushfiqur Rahim has become the only representative of Bangladesh in this XI.
“Alhamdulillah. What a great feeling to be part of a team featuring so many legends! I am truly honoured to be part of the Wisden’s Teenage Riot Test XI,” wrote Mushfiqur on his official Instagram account.
In 2018, Mushfiqur scored his second Test double ton against Zimbabwe and became the first wicketkeeper-batsman in the world to have scored two Test double hundreds. Therefore, it is not a surprise at all to see the Bangladesh’s stalwart’s name alongside all these legendary cricketers.
There are several legendary cricketers with Mushfiqur. According to the XI, Australia’s Neil Hervey will open the innings with India’s little master Sachin Tendulkar.
England’s Dennis Compton has been placed at number three. New Zealand legend Martin Crowe, South Africa’s Graeme Pollock and Caribbean legend Garry Sobers are at number four, five and six respectively. Mushfiqur is at number seven as keeper batsman.
Pakistan’s World Cup winning star Imran Khan has been made the skipper of this XI. His teammate Wasim Akram also secured a spot in the eleven. Indian spin legend Anil Kumble is in the roster as a leg spinner. Aussie pacer Pat Cummins is the final player in the squad, and is the only cricketer from the XI alongside Mushfiqur Rahim who is currently playing cricket.