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DHAKA, Sept 9, 2024 (BSS)-Bangladesh allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz insisted on playing consistently well for a long time as he set his goal to emulate the success of Shakib Al Hasan. 
 
Miraz has been tipped to carry the legacy of Shakib Al Hasan who is in the twilight of his career. While initially it seemed that it was impossible for Miraz to catch Shakib in terms of success and impact, his recent form, especially with the bat, gave a glimpse of hope.
 
Batting was initially Miraz's weak link, but by doing hard work, he plugged the loopholes in his batting to keep him on course to be the best allrounder in the world. 
 
The belief was bolstered further after his epic performance in Pakistan with both batting and bowling, which played a key role in Bangladesh's historic 2-0 sweep. Miraz did it the way that Shakib used to do in his heyday. 

By doing it consistently, Shakib reached No.1 spot in the ICC rankings in all three formats of cricket and he still remains the only player to have been ranked No.1 in all three formats simultaneously. 

Speaking to the media after the team's practice today, Miraz said that it is only possible to reach the top if he can play well for a long time.
"If two allrounders play in a team, there are many benefits for the team. While initially my batting was not top-notch, it has become better in recent times," he said.

"The team didn't get that much from me because I played as a bowler. It feels good now because I can contribute to the team with the bat too. I need to practice hard. It is not possible in one or two days (to become the best allrounder in the world). You have to play well for a long time. If I can perform consistently well for a long time, I can become a good allrounder.'
 
Shakib's performance of late has taken a huge nosedive, especially after his eye problem was detected. The problem impacted on his batting to a great extent and, at the same time, age was also not on his side. It was expected that Shakib might walk into the sunset very soon.
 
Miraz said that if Shakib retires, his responsibilities and roles will be expanded.
 
"If a team has an allrounder, it is an added advantage for the team. Shakib bhai and I are both playing, and it's an advantage for the team. At some point, everyone has to retire from cricket. My role will be more important for the team when Shakib bhai retires," Miraz said. 
 
Bowling has always been Miraz's strength. But he has hogged the limelight of late due to his batting, which saw a great improvement over the years.
 
In the last 2 years, he has scored the most runs in Tests at No.8. But Miraz's desire is to play up in the batting order to floursh him more as a batter. 
 
"I don't want to be a No.8 batsman. Batting at No.8 means there is a lot of pressure. I don't want to be the best at No.8. I want to be the best top order batter."