Adding substance to the Bangladesh batting
Before Tamim Iqbal, a procession of wickets was guaranteed
George Binoy
25-Feb-2013
Before Tamim Iqbal, a procession of wickets was guaranteed. But for the last two years, Bangladesh have been given a good start with the bat. This year in particular, Tamim has scored 837 runs at an average of nearly 60 in Tests. More than the runs, Tamim has added a much-needed stability. He spoke to Mohammad Isam for the Daily Star.
What was your favourite innings this year?
In terms of memory, it was Lord's. I heard about the place and its history from my father and the moment I went inside the dressing-room I looked at the honours board and the balcony. Pete (the Lord's dressing-room attendant) told me that I would get a hundred after I made 53 in the first innings. When I reached 97, I was as nervous as I was in my debut game. But I had planned the celebration when I was in the 80s (laughs). That hundred made me very happy.
But if you consider from a batting point of view, it has to be the one at Old Trafford as it is the fastest and most difficult wicket in England. Funnily, Kevin Pietersen commented during my 86 in Chittagong that, "Cricket is so easy for you, right? You go to Old Trafford, then you will see." And I went on to get a hundred there, so it was really fantastic.
George Binoy is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo