Often shorn of the limelight that usually comes with the success that he has achieved in international cricket, Taijul anticipated questions regarding Shakib Al Hasan, especially as the all-rounder is absent from the first Test due to security concerns.
Even though he has remained in the shadows of Shakib for most of his career, Taijul has always maintained a steady process.
Taijul had previously highlighted the fact that even his success is often seen in light of Shakib’s performances, who remains Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker with 246 wickets. On Monday, Taijul became the fastest Bangladeshi bowler to take 200 wickets in Tests, overtaking Shakib.
Taijul has also shown the ability to spearhead the attack in Shakib’s absence and yesterday’s clever quips showed he is well-honed to taking pressure. As the second-most successful left-arm spinner in international Tests over the last decade since his debut in 2014, only behind India’s Ravindra Jadeja, Taijul knows what it takes to succeed.
But in a country where Test cricket does not induce as much excitement as white-ball cricket, the likes of Taijul often appear to be playing second fiddle.
Amongst his colourful quips were gems such as ‘In our country, many things happen by word of mouth. The thing is, there are many who have done badly but being trolled made them stars. There are also those who have done well but couldn’t become a star. I have accepted that,” Taijul said with a wry smile.
