Mahidul Islam Ankon Gears Up: Bangladesh’s young wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Ankon believes he is better prepared for international cricket after a difficult Test debut against South Africa.
Lessons from a Tough Debut: Mahidul Islam Ankon Gears Up
Mahidul Islam Ankon Gears Up as he received a sudden Test call-up in October last year after Jaker Ali was ruled out with a concussion. With first-choice wicketkeeper Litton Das unavailable due to illness, Mahidul had to leave a National Cricket League (NCL) match midway to join the squad for the Chattogram Test.
Mahidul Islam Ankon Gears Up for another opportunity as his debut was far from ideal, as he struggled both behind and in front of the wickets, managing scores of 0 and 29 while making several errors as a wicketkeeper. However, with Litton Das now opting out of the upcoming Zimbabwe series for the Pakistan Super League, Mahidul is once again in contention for a spot in the squad.
Reflecting on his previous experience, Mahidul acknowledges his shortcomings but feels better prepared this time. “I don’t want to make excuses, but I was mentally still in the NCL game at that time,” he told Cricbuzz. “Now, I feel I could get another chance, so I am preparing myself mentally.”
Mahidul admitted nerves played a role in his struggles, saying, “Probably I was nervous, and to hide that, I tried to be excited behind the wickets. But I have learned that it’s important to stay calm and enjoy the game.”
With more time to prepare, Mahidul is confident he can perform better. “I now understand that international cricket is all about handling pressure and adapting to situations. This time, I am getting enough time to prepare, and if I get the chance, I feel I can contribute to the team.”
Having his mentor, Mohammad Salahuddin, in the national setup as an assistant coach is also a confidence booster for Mahidul. “He knows me well and helps me stay relaxed when I overthink things,” he added.
With the Zimbabwe series approaching, Mahidul is eager to showcase his improvement and make the most of his potential second chance in Bangladesh’s Test squad.
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