Follow UsUnlike other Test-playing nations, Tests came far and too few in between for Bangladesh as a cricketing nation. So when you are Mominul Haque, restricted to playing the longest format, opportunities are few, making it tough to return to form after a long break.
Additionally, the southpaw hasn’t been in the best of form heading into the one-off Test against Afghanistan, with a three-figure drought. Over the last 26 innings, the left-hander hadn’t brought up a Test ton and was agonizingly close to bringing up a century against India last year before being dismissed on 84.
However, in the ongoing Test against Afghanistan, the southpaw brought up his 12th Test century, the most for a Bangladeshi player in the history of the game. In the aftermath of the event, the left-hander insisted that he hadn’t changed too much technically between the two Tests.
"I think the last one (gap of 26 innings without century) was more painful," Mominul told reporters after the day's play.
"I played the way I always play Test cricket, there was not much change technically since you can't change something in a week or two and apply it in a Test. I stayed within my strengths," he said.
So, what makes Mominul tick things off after a long break? In his own words, the left-hander keeps it simple: visualises the game and constantly meditates to keep himself ready for the occasion.
"I feel that when I get a long time between Tests, I get time to prepare. Then you can prepare with visualization and meditation. It works for me but may not for someone else. You can go through visualization if you are able to since you get that time. It doesn't mean you can get success but the chance increases. Then you won't feel like you are playing after a long time," he said.
However, at the same time, Mominul reckoned that the advantage for the regular Test-playing cricketers is that if the player knows his strengths and weaknesses, it becomes easier to bridge the gap between two Tests.
"The advantage for those who play Tests regularly is that they have limitations. You won't see them playing all around the wicket. They play two to three shots and that's what they focus on for a whole year. If that player knows his strengths or weaknesses, where to attack, where the easy options are, then it becomes easier to practice those things. It doesn't mean you will be successful playing Tests after five months. But the chance of you being ( successful) can increase.