Shoriful Islam has no regrets about missing Bangladesh’s historic victory over Australia in the opening Test in Darwin, despite being forced out of the playing XI through injury.
The left-arm pacer was unavailable for the first match as he recovered from the injury, but he does not regard his absence as unfortunate. Instead, Shoriful believes the break gave him valuable time to rest and complete his rehabilitation, which he feels has benefited his physical condition ahead of the second and final Test in Mackay.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, 19 August, Shoriful discussed his recovery, Bangladesh’s performance in Darwin and his readiness for the next match.
Asked whether he felt unlucky to have missed such a significant victory, Shoriful rejected the suggestion.
“No, not unlucky. Whatever is meant to happen cannot be decided beforehand. Allah does what is best. After the injury, I got some time to rest and went through rehabilitation. I think it has been good for my body,” he said.
Bangladesh defeated Australia by nine wickets in Darwin to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Although Shoriful could not contribute on the field, he was delighted to see his team produce a landmark result against the hosts.
The pacer also spoke light-heartedly about being part of the celebrations despite not being included in the playing squad. He joked that, while he was not on the field, he at least managed to make it into the photographs celebrating the victory.
“I was very happy. Alhamdulillah. To be part of such a victory felt very good. At least I made it into the pictures,” Shoriful said with a smile. “Even though I was not in the squad, I was very happy. I will try to carry this forward. I am always ready. Let’s see. If it is in my destiny, InshaAllah.”
The result in Darwin has given Bangladesh an opportunity to secure the series in Mackay. With a 1-0 advantage, another victory would allow the visitors to complete the series triumph, while Australia will be under pressure to respond and keep the contest alive.
For Shoriful, the performances of Bangladesh’s pace bowlers have been particularly encouraging. He said he enjoys seeing the fast bowlers perform well, but stressed that individual success matters less than the team producing a complete performance across all departments.
“It feels good when the pacers do well. But it feels even better when Team Bangladesh performs well — when the batting, bowling and fielding are all good. If we perform as a unit, that is how we can bring home the victory,” he said.
Bangladesh’s success in Darwin has also strengthened the importance of maintaining consistency in the second Test. The team will now look to build on its strong start rather than allowing the advantage to slip away.
For Shoriful, meanwhile, the Mackay Test could provide an opportunity to return to the side if he is considered fully fit and the team management selects him. He has made it clear that he is ready whenever the opportunity comes.
His focus, however, remains firmly on the team. After watching his team-mates secure an important victory from the sidelines, Shoriful now hopes to contribute directly if selected for the next Test and help Bangladesh complete the series on a high.
