Raja, Mahmudul keen to make Test call-up memorable

CHATTOGRAM - Newcomers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Rejaur 
Rahman Raja were elated to get a first call-up into the national team for 
Test cricket, saying that longer version is the format which they have 
particularly found to their likings. 

   They were however unfazed by the fact that they have little chance to make 
their debut as Bangladesh are highly likely to field experienced campaigners 
in a bid to rid their poor T20 memories in which they were whitewashed by 
Pakistan after a disastrous Twenty20 World Cup campaign. 

  If the team management doesn't take any unorthodox decision, Mahmudul, a 
batsman hailed from Chattogram is unlikely to make his debut at his home 
town. The first Test starts at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in 
Chattogram from November 26.

  The 21-year old Mahmudul has made a promising start in his first class 
career with scoring two hundreds already in the ongoing National Cricket 
League. 

  The 22-year-old Raja, who has represented the BCB HP and Emerging Teams, 
has taken 33 wickets in 10 first class matches for Sylhet Division and Islami 
Bank East Zone. 

  "I am really elated to get a Test call up. Everyone dreams to play for the 
national team, and so I am no exception," Mahmudul said here today.

  Terming him fully prepared for the national team, he said, "My confidence 
is high at this moment following some good performance in the National 
Cricket League. Also I played well in HP and other aged level cricket."

   Mahmudul further said he had no specific plan or goal with his batting 
approach if he makes his debut in the Chattogram Test. 

  "There is no specific plan. Just what I want to do is to play my normal 
cricket," he said.

  Pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja on the other hand said his strength is to bowl for 
a longer period, which is paramount for Test cricket.

  "My strength is to bowl in longer spell. I can bowl with several spell in a 
day with same pace and energy. And sometimes even my pace and energy got 
higher at the fag end of the day," Raja said. 

  "I enjoy Test cricket and it's my strength. I can bowl in same rhythm and 
land it in same area. I can also move the ball, so I am confident about myself," he added.BSS