Tiger's test feat to improve in 3 years: Naimur

Naimur Rahman Durjoy is an inseparable entity of our brief test cricket history. He was the one to lead Bangladesh in the inaugural test match back in December 2000. Cricketer Naimur is presently involved with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selection committee. The former Bangladesh captain faced the media last Friday. During the session, Naimur spoke of issues related to the present and future of Bangladesh cricket. He said he would prove progress in test cricket within his three-year tenure. Following is an excerpt from Naimur's interview.

Q: Though Bangladesh has achieved success in one-day games, team’s test show is not yet up to the mark. What is the reason behind this?

Naimur: It is sad that we have failed to do well in test arena. Previously our National League matches were limited over affairs; that's why we did well in the one-dayers. Lack of longer version matches, not a trend in home cricket, in fact blocked the path to test success. Once upon a time star players like Ranatunga, Jayasuriya, Wasim Akram used to play in the limited over Premiere League tourneys in Dhaka. Such a rich background played a master role to bring success in one-day cricket. This means, due to the shortage of longer version matches in local leagues, we are yet to gain success in test matches.
 

Q: Why is it taking so long to strengthen the home cricket? Naimur: Everybody grossly blame BCB and the organizers for home cricket. But I would rather say the main obstacle to our home cricket is the shortage of venues and other facilities. Except for Dhaka, there were no suitable venues in the country. Other than venues, there were shortages of gymnasium and other accessories. This is why domestic cricket did not flourish that much outside Dhaka. Now we have almost overcome these problems. Within few years home cricket will become stronger.

Q: As a selector what are your plans to form a good team?

Naimur: My first aim is to create a group of adequate reserve player, so that there is no problem of replacement for injured players.

Q: Everybody is quite young in the team at present. Do think that the team still needs players like Bashar, Rafiq or Pilot ?

Naimur: Yes, the team is still in need of experienced players like Bashar and Rafiq. They have given a lot to our cricket. But our target is to form a team with players who are young, experienced and physically hundred percent fit. With special emphasis on test cricket, this is how we are thinking.

Q: Tell us something about the new coach Jamie Siddons.

Naimur: I thank BCB for choosing Siddons as the coach. He is quite experienced in his profession. I believe he has a lot to offer to improve the team's performance.

Q: What are your dreams about Bangladesh cricket?

Naimur: I will be involved in the selection process for three years to come. I don't know how far I can take Bangladesh cricket, but rather than a higher ICC ranking I aim at improving the test cricket standard of the squad. Now that we are successful in one-dayers, we want to do it in the same way in test. I hope after three years any top test playing side will respect Bangladesh.