Mushfiq can play for even longer- Phil Simmons

It has been more than two decades since Mushfiqur Rahim made his Test debut against England at Lord’s on May 26, 2005. Bangladeshi cricket fans are now set to celebrate a special milestone, as the Tiger star will play his 100th Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur against Ireland.

Phil Simmons explains the reason behind Mushfiq’s 100th Test
Ahead of the match, head coach Phil Simmons praised Mushfiq’s remarkable consistency and professionalism, saying,
"The main reason Mushfiq has played 100 Tests is his professionalism, and his constant drive to perform well."

Mushfiq’s stats and achievements
At 38 years old, Mushfiq has scored 6,351 runs in 182 Test innings, averaging over 38. He has 12 centuries and 27 fifties, including three double centuries, two of which came as a wicketkeeper. He is the only wicketkeeper to have scored two double centuries. His highest unbeaten score is 219 runs.

Future of Test cricket and Mushfiq’s place
Regarding upcoming Tests, Simmons said,
"We are playing a lot of Test cricket now. Next year, we will play around 12 Tests, which hasn’t happened before. So I think those who reach 100 Tests in the future will do it faster than Mushfiq."

Calling Mushfiq a legend, he added,
"He (Mushfiq) is definitely a legend. He has played for a long time, and the stats are on his side."

No sign of retirement after the 100th Test
The head coach confirmed that playing the 100th Test does not mark the end of Mushfiq’s career. He said,
"At the moment, Mushfiq is one of the fittest players in the team. He scored a century in the Sri Lanka series as well. As long as his fitness and performance remain consistent, he can play for a much longer time."