Bangladesh opener Zakir Hasan responded after getting a congratulatory message from Rahul Dravid on Day 4 in the opening Test match against India. Hasan displayed his class and became only the fourth Bangladesh player to score a ton on Test debut. He was gritty in the first session of the day to survive at the same time he also scored runs at a decent rate to reach his century.
He scored 100 runs off 224 balls which was laced with 12 fours and a six. However, he failed to carry forward the momentum after reaching the triple-figure and was dismissed by Ravichandran Ashwin.
Also Read | ‘MS Dhoni Would’ve Been Very Proud’ – Dinesh Karthik Hails Rishabh Pant’s Stumping to Dismiss Nurul Hasan
Zakir later revealed that the India head coach Dravid met him and congratulated him on this occasion.
“Sir (Rahul) greeted me. He said I batted well. It is inspirational for such a great player and coach coming to congratulate me. It is a great feeling. I feel good scoring a hundred. I didn’t have many expectations and all I wanted was to bat long since we are facing two days and a big total,” Zakir was quoted as saying after the fourth day’s play.
The 24-year-old revealed that he usually bat in the middle-order for his domestic team but he was confident to face the new ball as he got to do the same when he batted at number 3 in the past.
“I wanted to bat a little longer for the team. It might have been easier for them (in the chase). I have usually batted at No 3 and 4. I haven’t opened the batting much. I usually face the new ball in first-class cricket. At times you get to bat after the first ball if you are at No 3, so you have to face the new ball. I was confident,” he stated.
Also Read: Adam Gilchrist Readies For “Tough Summer” Without Shane Warne, Andrew Symonds In BBL Commentary Box
Earlier, in two unofficial Test series, Zakir scored 173 not out against India A to make a strong case for himself to get a place in the XI as he also called it a turning point in his career.
“That innings (173 not out against India A) provided me a lot of confidence. I was trying to follow the same process of that innings. It was in the back of my mind that I must stick to the process while playing. A big score leading into a national call-up is certainly a turning point,” Zakir added.
Get the latest Cricket News, Schedule and Cricket Live Scores here