In the ICC rankings, Mehedi Hasan Miraz has climbed to number two in the Test all-rounder list, stating, “It would feel even better if I could be number one.”
For the first time since Shakib Al Hasan, a Bangladeshi cricketer is very close to reaching the top of the all-rounder rankings. After an exceptional series against Zimbabwe, Miraz is now ranked second. However, despite achieving his career-best ranking, the all-rounder is not satisfied. He has set his sights on becoming the world’s number one all-rounder.
In last week’s ICC rankings update, Miraz surpassed Marco Jansen to claim the second spot, earning a career-high 327 rating points. Ravindra Jadeja, with 400 points, sits at the top ahead of him.
In the previous month’s Test series against Zimbabwe, Miraz took 5 wickets in each innings of the Sylhet Test. Later, in Chattogram, he scored a century and followed it up with another 5-wicket haul.
In the same series, Miraz also completed the ‘double’ of 200 wickets and 2,000 runs in Test cricket, a feat previously achieved only by Shakib in Bangladesh cricket history. On Tuesday, Bangladesh Cricket Supporters Association presented him with a commemorative gift at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
Talking to the media, Miraz expressed that his goals are even bigger.
“(Reaching number two in the all-rounder rankings) is definitely a great feeling. But I’ll feel even better if I make it to number one.”
In his 9-year Test career, Miraz has played 53 matches, scoring 2,068 runs and taking 205 wickets. He still has a long way to go.
When asked if he dreams of achieving the milestones of 400 wickets and 5,000 runs after completing the double of 2,000 runs and 200 wickets, Miraz avoided mentioning specific numbers.
“My career has just begun. My goal is to aim higher. There’s a long way to go. I need to stay fit and play well. I’m not thinking of big numbers like 400 wickets or 5,000 runs. I’m just trying to move forward step by step.”
Currently, Miraz is ranked third among Bangladesh’s bowlers in terms of wickets. Ahead of him are Shakib (246 wickets) and Taijul Islam (228 wickets). Shakib’s career is near its end, and Taijul is 33 years old, so there’s a strong possibility that Miraz will surpass both in the coming years. He’s ready to take the long path toward achieving that goal.
“It would feel great to achieve such a milestone (for the highest Test wickets in the country). If I can achieve it for Bangladesh, in any format, it will be a proud moment. There are no shortcuts. I need to take the long path, and that’s what I’m working on.”
On Monday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) appointed Shaun Tait as the national team’s pace bowling coach, replacing Andre Adams. Miraz has previously worked with Tait during the 2022 BPL, where he was the captain of Chattogram Challengers.
Miraz welcomed the new pace bowling coach and shared his positive experience working with Tait.
“When I was the captain of Chattogram in the BPL, I worked with Shaun Tait. I think we had a good understanding. He’s a great person—very kind and supportive. I think having a coach like him is good for the team.”
“I personally know him. He’s very helpful to the players. Having played international cricket with a team like Australia, he knows what to do and how to help. So, I think appointing him as our coach is a positive step for the team.”
