I was already a regular member of the Bangladesh team when Mushfiqur Rahim arrived on the scenes in 2005 in the England tour. He announced himself by scoring a hundred and a fifty in practice matches against County sides. He then made his Test debut at Lord’s as a specialist batter as Pilot bhai (Khaled Mashud) was still our wicketkeeper. But after the Lord’s Test, he unfortunately twisted his ankle while coming down the staircase and had to return home.

As Mushfiqur Rahim walks out to play his 100th Test match, Bangladesh cricket celebrates not just a milestone, but a man whose impact on our game goes far beyond statistics. I have had the privilege of coaching Mushfiqur in two different periods of Bangladesh cricket -- first from 2014 to 2017, and again from 2023 to 2024 -- and what remains constant is his unwavering professionalism, commitment, and leadership.

What does it take to play a 100 Tests? After sifting through the statements of the 83 players who have achieved this feat till now, a few common qualities stand out: hard work, grit, discipline, and a bit of luck.

When Mushfiqur Rahim debuted for Bangladesh back in 2005 at the age of 18, Dav Whatmore was the head coach of the Tigers. On the occasion of Mushfiqur’s 100th Test, the 71-year-old former Australia batter talked to The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan and shared his observation about Mushfiqur’s illustrious career. The excerpts are as follows:

The 38-year-old is set to become the first from the country to reach the milestone when Bangladesh face Ireland in the second Test on Wednesday. 

“I see him at the hotel every morning at 6:15, having breakfast and heading straight to warm-ups."

Once green, Mushfiqur Rahim’s baggy Test cap now appears almost grey, worn from years of use. A man closing in on his 100th Test -- the first from Bangladesh -- Mushfiqur’s story and longevity remain a point of pride in the dressing room. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto is no different.

After a long spell away from red-ball cricket, the Tigers are back in whites as they prepare for the first Test of their two-match series against Ireland at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. On Monday, the eve of the opener, the Tigers trained in high spirits, soaking in the gentle Sylhet sunshine. Naturally, the cameras found veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, poised to make his 99th Test appearance. The session included with a lively game of football, one even spin-bowling coach Saqlain Mushtaq could not resist. Newly-appointed specialised batting coach Mohammad Ashraful was seen sharing tips alongside outgoing senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin, who maintained his familiar hands-on approach. Meanwhile, pace bowling coach Shaun Tait remained in his element, working closely with his pack of fast bowlers. Photos: Firoz Ahmed

For players who hold Test cricket close to their hearts, that cap is a deeply emotional symbol.

Bangladesh stalwart Mushfiqur Rahim is on the verge of a major milestone, with the veteran wicketkeeper-batter set to play his 100th Test during Ireland’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh in November.

Mushfiqur Rahim -- one of Bogura's proudest sons -- will take the field at the district's Shaheed Chandu Stadium on the opening game of the second edition of National Cricket League T20 (NCL T20) today, but not for the home division Rajshahi.

BCB tournament committee chairman Akram Khan acknowledged the dispute but was optimistic of a resolution

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal is set to return to cricket in the upcoming National Cricket League (NCL) T20, scheduled to begin on September 14, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director Akram Khan confirmed on Thursday.

Bangladesh have never won an ODI series in Sri Lanka.

Litton Das became Bangladesh’s leading wicket-keeper in Tests as he surpassed his veteran teammate Mushfiqur Rahim for most dismissals on Day 2 of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Thursday.

Litton Das had to walk back to the pavilion at the Galle International Stadium on the second day of Bangladesh’s first Test against Sri Lanka yesterday, falling just 10 runs short of what could have been his fifth Test century.

Unbeaten centuries from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim on the opening day of the Galle Test yesterday brought welcome relief to Bangladesh cricket, who have been under scrutiny in recent months for both on- and off-field issues.

Mushfiqur Rahim is playing only one format -- Test.

Bangladesh batter Mushfiqur Rahim has backed skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto to go on and convert his century into a double, after both reached three figures on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Tuesday.

Bangladesh are set to play a two-match Test series against hosts Sri Lanka, starting from 17 June in Galle.