Lack of proper structure the reason behind Test failures, says Enamul Jr

10 January marks a historic day in Bangladesh cricket as on this day 15 years back, Bangladesh clinched their first victory in Test cricket when the Tigers beat Zimbabwe by 226 runs. 

Left-arm spinner Enamul Haque Jr was the man of the match in that match as he picked up six wickets in the fourth innings of the match to ensure a win for Bangladesh. 

But since then, Bangladesh have failed to excel in the longest format of the game and the spinner has said that it is painful for him that Bangladesh have not shone in this particular format and the reason behind it might be because Bangladesh could not build a proper structure. 

"It is painful (for me). Sometimes it feels like that it was our fault, we could not build a proper structure, we could not go forward as we hoped. Surely we had to do well consistently in Test cricket but that did not happen. I hope that we will prioritize Test cricket going ahead," the 33-year old said. He further added that Bangladesh did not lack in skill or talent but execution might have been the problem.

Enamul also added that he was inspired by his man of the match bout in Bangladesh's first-ever Test victory and reminisced it every year on the day of the win. 

"I'm inspired by that performance. Even after a hundred years, it will be written in the history books that I was the man of the match in Bangladesh's first-ever Test win. This is obviously a matter of pride for me, every year on January 10 I reminisce that I did something for Bangladesh," the left-arm spinner said. 

Enamul also talked about his team, Chattogram Challengers, who currently sit on top of the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 2019-20 points table. He said that they have been the most consistent side in this tournament and are looking to ensure a top-two spot with a win in their next game. 

"It is important to play match-by-match to keep your place in the team. To be honest, we (Chattogram) are the most consistent side this year. We have gelled as a good side with foreign and local players and I hope that we will keep on performing like this. Tomorrow's match is very important. Because the best two teams have a better opportunity in the semifinals and finals. Hopefully, we will win," Enamul added. 

He also added that it was not important who they played in the playoffs rather it was important to play well on the day. 

"Actually, it is not important who you get as opponents in T20 cricket. How you play on the day is important. Because one cricketer can make a difference and every team have some special players. To me, whoever we get, we will have to play well on the day," Enamul said.

Chattogram face Rajshahi Royals in their final match of the group stage on January 11 at Mirpur.