DHAKA, August 20, 2019 (BSS) – Following his consistent performance in the domestic league and various level cricket, Jahurul Islam Omee has set a target to return to the national team, preferably in longer version format which he adores most.
Basically the absence of Tamim Iqbal, who took a short break from cricket, gave Jahurul the chance to make a return to the Test cricket, a format which he played last in 2013 against Zimbabwe in Harare.
In the same year against same opponent, he also played his last ODI. Coincidentally his last T20 International match was also in that year.
Having made his debut in all format of cricket in 2010, he played seven Tests, 14 ODIs and three T20 Internationals before being discarded from the national team. Considered as one of the most elegant openers in the country, Jahurul then experienced some family troubles before his own form hit a low.
However he overcame all the adversities and started performing at regular basis for the last three years. Recently he performed magnificently in the Dr. (capt)) K Thimmappiah Memoriral Tournament, known as Mini Ranji Trophy in India against some quality bowling attack.
The performance there paved a way for him to return to Test fold and Jahurul saw a hope to revive his national team career.
“Tamim is a high standard player and it’s tough to fill his void. But still it’s an opportunity for the likes of me, Shadman, Soumya, Imrul and others. So I think who will get the opportunity will try to make the most use of it,” Jahurul said here on Tuesday.
“Test cricket is always a big format. There is a saying that if somebody can play well in Test cricket, he can thrive in all format of the cricket. So even in the one-off Test against Afghanistan, I say, it’s a big opportunity for the rest of us.”
Jahurul, who is now 32 years old, doesn’t think the age can be barrier in performing if he remains fit and athletic in the ground.
“It’s good that I am still in BCB’s radar. It’s a good thing for the cricketers of my batch also. I always believe of not giving up the hopes. Age doesn’t matter if you can keep yourself fit and perform well,” he added.
Jahurul was included in the 35-member conditioning camp after which his possibility to be included into the Test squad was reinforced.
“After a quite long time, I got a call up in the preliminary squad. Every cricketer hopes to play in national team. I also started every season with a hope that I will be included into the national team. This season, I put up good performance in the Premier League and then got a call up in A team where I did well.”
“I am trying my best and working on my fitness. The rest is on selectors. If they think I can be good choice, they definitely will call me up. And if I am called up, I will give my best.”