Jaker Ali's Rise to Test Cricket

Cementing His Place in the Test Squad

Jaker Ali, a right-handed wicket-keeper batter, has been making a name for himself in Test cricket. Initially a T20I specialist, he has been slowly cementing his place in the longer version of the game.

A Second Test Fifty

On the third day of the two-match Test series opener against West Indies in Antigua, Jaker rescued Bangladesh from the embarrassment of following-on with his second Test fifty. He added 68 runs with Taijul Islam for the seventh wicket, helping Bangladesh cross 251, the score required to avoid the follow-on mark.

A Disciplined Approach

Jaker and Taijul scripted an unlikely revival act, biding their time to score the odd boundary and rotating the strike whenever possible. Jaker hit four boundaries with a pull and a hook on his way to his 53.

Preparing for the Tail-Enders

Jaker has been preparing himself to play with the tail-enders, a skill he has honed in domestic cricket. He believes that taking calculated risks is essential when batting with the tail-enders.

A Mindset Shift

Jaker has emphasized the importance of mindset in cricket, particularly in Test cricket. He believes that a proper mindset and preparation are key to success, regardless of the format. He has been working on shifting his gears in T20s while playing with a different mindset in Tests.

A Different Approach in Tests

Jaker has revealed that his set-up is different in Tests compared to T20Is. He bats with a very high backlift in T20Is but follows a different approach in Tests, where he tries to stay normal and play his normal cricket.

A Permanent Fixture in the National Set-up

Bangladesh is keen to see Jaker fix his place in the team, particularly as they are in the midst of transition. With the departure of seasoned players, Jaker is leaving no stone unturned to make himself a permanent fixture in the national set-up.