Saifuddin delighted with Test series call-up

Fast bowling all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin is very delighted to be called up to the Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour. The youngster wants to make an impression there if he's given an opportunity to play in the tour.

While addressing the media on Wednesday, the all-rounder said, "I am really delighted to be able to practice here in Mirpur after more than six months. It's a great feeling to bowl at the centre wicket. I will try my best to bring my rhythm back as I've been called up to the Test squad for the first time. I am really happy about this and I'll try to contribute as much as I can."

Saifuddin is a little bit worried about his skills as there was hardly any chance of working on these during the shutdown. "I worked on my fitness during the lockdown but lagged behind in terms of skill. I batted in concrete wickets but couldn't really work on my bowling. That's why I've been bowling for the last two days. It will take some time to get into the zone," he said.

He has a chronic back injury which he has been carrying for a long time now. But he's hopeful of gaining match fitness soon: "I've been carrying a major injury on my back and hardly got a chance to play matches in the last year or so. Therefore, I'll try to gain match fitness as quickly as I can and make an impression if I get a chance."

The right-arm medium-fast bowler has been a key member in the Bangladesh ODI side. Now that he's called up to the Test side, Saifuddin wants to contribute there as well. "Every cricketer dreams of playing Test cricket and I'm no different. I'm slightly worried about my skills. I will try my best to work on these and hope to do well in Sri Lanka if I am given a chance. My target now is to develop my fitness and skills," he mentioned.

Mohammad Saifuddin also informed that the lockdown helped him in many ways, from assessing different things about his game to pushing himself to do certain things.