Batsman Tamim Iqbal wants more Tests for Bangladesh

Bangladesh batsman Tamim Iqbal on Thursday lamented the dearth of Test matches played by his country in comparison to the other Test playing nations.

Bangladesh are busy with a conditioning camp in preparation for England's trip in late September. But even that tour has come under a security cloud.

If the series is cleared, Bangladesh will be able to play Tests after 14 months. The last time they played the traditional format of the game, it was against South Africa in August last year in their backyard.

The long Test drought is not just painful for Tamim, who is in fine fettle. His run of form in Tests was superb last year but the long gap will definitely force him to rediscover his touch.

"A cricketer always dreams of playing Test matches, dreams of playing 100 Tests for his country," Tamim was quoted as saying by bdnews24.com on Thursday.

"Those who started their Test career when I did have already played 80-90 Tests, whereas I've played just (42). It's a bit sad for me. I just wish I could play more Tests - then I would've had more runs; my team-mates would've had more success," he added.

The left-handed opener made his Test debut in January 2008. Since then England's Alastair Cook has played 107 Tests, James Anderson 87 and Stuart Broad 95. Australia's Michael Clarke, who retired about a year ago, had played 84 since Tamim's debut.

Tamim, however, is well aware of International Cricket Council (ICC) policies and Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) diplomatic and administrative flaws.

But pragmatic as he is, Tamim does not pile all the blame on others. He thinks the players, too, must play a pivotal role to earn more Test fixtures.

"I always say it's not in our hands, but we can change all that with our performance, if we play well, win more matches, maybe then the top teams will be eager to play us."

"It doesn't matter what we say, or how many reasons we put forth. I think it entirely depends upon the players. If we can bring Bangladesh a good Test result, we will then be able to play more Test matches," he added.

--IANS

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