|| CF Correspondent ||

At a time in which shorter formats of cricket have been widely accepted and Test cricket has been somewhat losing its popularity, it wouldn’t be wrong for a player to keep himself away from red-ball cricket, as it requires them to have more energy and resilience.

Bangladesh is not known for producing freelance-cricketers who would leave playing Tests to take up white-ball cricket, since the T20 leagues around the world come in handy to provide financial security.

But fingers have been pointed at the likes of Shakib Al Hasan, saying he is not interested in the format, especially after the all-rounder requested a six-month break from Test cricket last year.

However, contrary to popular belief, Shakib rates Tests higher than any other formats, since it gives him unmatchable satisfaction after winning a game.

“A win in other formats can never offer you the satisfaction of a Test-win. We have won many big matches [in shorter formats] but none were as pleasing as a Test-win.

“[I] suffer from anxiety before the Test matches, because it’s a five-day game and I am growing older as well. But once I get into the game, start scoring runs and getting wickets then it becomes more satisfying than ODIs or T20Is,” Shakib said after the second Test against West Indies.

Five days of ebb and flow and that is indeed the beauty of a Test match. Unlike the shorter formats, one can always try the opponents’ patience and escape through the backdoor (read: hold on for a draw) if need be, in Test cricket. So, it does become boring at times, but not for the players, who have to constantly keep trying to go for that inch-perfect delivery or shot or throw that serves their purpose.