As Bangladesh take on Ireland at home in a two-Test series, one man is closing in on a historical milestone. Mushfiqur Rahim, a 38-year-old veteran who has been part of the side for 20 years, is nearing a historic moment.
When he does achieve it, he will be the first Bangladeshi cricketer in the history of the game to do so. He will also join a special club that has several legends in it.
What Milestone Is Mushfiqur Rahim Nearing?
What is the milestone? The century club is what one may call it. In other words, Mushfiqur shall be playing his 100th Test when the second game vs Ireland gets underway on November 19. He came into the series with 98 Tests under his belt and the 1st match started today meaning he now has 99 to his name. One more toss of the coin and he will have played 100 Tests.
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Members Belonging to the 100-Test Club
Since 1968, 83 cricketers have played 100 Tests. The first was Colin Cowdrey 57 years ago and the latest is four months ago. was the first among Indians and Asians too. Mushfiqur shall be the 84th on the list but the first from his country. Now that is a great achievement without a doubt. When one considers that he kept wickets as well for the most part of his career in the longest format, it only adds to his credit. In 2019, he gave up the gloves to reduce the workload and purely played Tests as a batter.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s Test Stats
The man’s Test numbers are not a fair reflection of how good a player he has been for Bangladesh. In 181 innings, he has scored 6328 runs at an average of 38.12 with 15 unbeaten knocks. Mushfiqur has hit 12 100s and 27 50s with a top score of 219 not out. That is the highest individual score by a Bangladeshi player in Test cricket.
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Mushfiqur Rahim Will Be in Elite Company
Initially, Ireland were planning to play just one Test but now it is officially a two-Test series so the moment the toss happens in the next game, Mushfiqur shall be in elite company among players with a minimum of 100 Test appearances. There are 26 Asians on the list so far and he will become the 27th. The top spot of course belongs to Sachin Tendulkar, the only one with 200 Tests.
How Long Will Mushfiqur Rahim Play for Bangladesh?
In less than four months, Mushfiqur turns 39. Tests are the only format he still plays. He retired from ODIs after Bangladesh’s campaign ended in the Champions Trophy earlier this year. The man had already left T20Is after Bangladesh were knocked out of the T20 World Cup in 2022. It remains to be seen when he calls time from Tests because that would mean an international farewell. Mushfiqur is in the twilight of his career and he can look back at a legacy that was good but could have been better.