Source: Cricbuzz

In the challenging arena of Test cricket, where resilience and mental fortitude often dictate success, milestones loom large as markers of a batsman’s journey. Yet, for Bangladesh’s most prolific Test century-maker, Mominul Haque, the path to triple figures has recently become an excruciatingly familiar dead end, especially when he approaches the 80s. During the ongoing Ireland tour of Bangladesh in 2025, the diminutive left-hander once again found himself walking back to the pavilion having fallen short of a coveted hundred, dismissed in the 80s for the seventh time in his career, and remarkably, for the second consecutive Test match.

This recurring pattern has drawn the attention and wisdom of former Bangladesh captain and veteran batsman, Mohammad Ashraful, who has stressed the importance of focusing on the ‘process over milestones’. Ashraful’s counsel comes at a crucial juncture for Mominul, who despite his impressive record of Test centuries, seems to be grappling with a psychological hurdle that prevents him from converting strong starts into monumental scores.

The Eighty-Something Hurdle: A Recurring Nightmare for Mominul

The image of Mominul Haque, head bowed, trudging off the field after being dismissed in the 80s, has become an all too frequent sight for Bangladeshi cricket fans. It’s a cruel twist of fate for a batsman who otherwise exemplifies the grit and determination required for Test cricket. Seven times now, Mominul has navigated the treacherous waters of a Test innings, battled past the new ball, weathered spells from frontline bowlers, and built a substantial platform, only to falter within touching distance of a century. The recent dismissals in successive Tests against Ireland highlight a deepening concern, suggesting that what might once have been an anomaly is now veering into the territory of a recurring psychological barrier.

Imagine the pressure: you’ve spent hours at the crease, faced hundreds of deliveries, fought through fatigue, and watched your score steadily climb. As the 80s tick over, the prospect of a century, a personal milestone, and a significant contribution to your team’s cause, becomes tantalizingly real. For Mominul, it’s precisely at this juncture that concentration seems to waver, a rash shot appears, or an unplayable delivery finds its mark. It’s a statistic that doesn’t fully reflect his unwavering commitment to Test cricket, yet it undeniably casts a shadow over his otherwise stellar career.

Historically, Mominul has been Bangladesh’s rock in the Test arena, a batsman known for his compact technique, exceptional temperament, and an uncanny ability to graft long innings. His record 11 Test centuries for Bangladesh speaks volumes about his capabilities. However, these repeated near-misses not only deprive him of personal glory but also deny the team the psychological advantage and momentum that a batsman reaching a century often provides.

Ashraful’s Philosophical Take: Process Over Pressure

It is in this context that Mohammad Ashraful’s advice resonates profoundly. Ashraful, a batsman who himself experienced the highs and lows of international cricket, understands the intricate mental game behind consistent performance. His call to focus on the ‘process over milestones’ is a classic piece of cricketing wisdom aimed at stripping away the external pressures and bringing the focus back to the fundamentals.

“Mominul is an incredibly talented batsman, and his record speaks for itself,” Ashraful commented, reflecting on Mominul’s situation. “But sometimes, when you get close to a milestone, the mind starts playing tricks. You become aware of the score, and that awareness can lead to a slight deviation from your established process. My advice to him would be to completely forget about the score once he’s in the 80s. Just treat it like any other phase of the innings.”

What does focusing on the ‘process’ entail? It means:

• Staying in the present: Not thinking about the century, or the next ball, but purely focusing on the current delivery, its line, length, and trajectory.
• Sticking to your strengths: Not trying anything extravagant or out of character to rush to the milestone, but playing your natural game.
• Maintaining routines: The pre-ball routine, the between-overs chat, the hydration breaks – maintaining consistency in these elements helps maintain mental discipline.
• Partnership focus: Concentrating on building the partnership, which naturally leads to personal runs, rather than solely on one’s individual score.

Ashraful’s emphasis is on the idea that if the process is sound, the desired outcomes – the milestones – will follow naturally. Chasing the century itself often leads to errors, whereas letting the century come to you, through diligent application of your batting process, is a far more reliable strategy.

Mominul’s Undeniable Value and What’s Next

Despite these frustrating dismissals, Mominul Haque’s value to Bangladesh’s Test side remains undisputed. He is not just a run-scorer; he is an anchor, often batting for extended periods, wearing down opposition bowlers, and setting the stage for others. His average hovers around the mid-30s, a respectable figure for a batsman in a developing Test nation, especially considering he often carries the burden of the batting lineup.

The challenge for Mominul now, with the Ireland series still offering opportunities, is to internalize Ashraful’s wisdom. It’s not about changing his technique, which is largely sound, but about refining his mental approach. Perhaps engaging with sports psychologists or even experienced former cricketers who have successfully navigated similar phases in their careers could be beneficial.

For the team management and captain, the role is one of support and reassurance. Publicly backing Mominul, reminding him of his past successes, and creating an environment where he feels less pressure to ‘perform’ for a milestone could be crucial. His contributions, even in the 80s, are vital. The focus should be on celebrating the substantial effort and runs he has already put on the board.

The Path Forward: Patience and Persistence

The journey of a Test cricketer is a marathon, not a sprint, punctuated by moments of immense joy and profound frustration. For Mominul Haque, the current phase presents an opportunity for introspection and growth. The Ireland tour of Bangladesh, 2025, while important for team results, also serves as a critical testing ground for Mominul to break this peculiar psychological barrier.

Centuries are not merely numbers; they are monuments to concentration, skill, and enduring patience. Mominul has shown time and again that he possesses all these qualities in abundance. With a renewed focus on the ‘process’ – the meticulous, ball-by-ball engagement that defines successful Test batting – and less on the impending ‘milestone’, there is every reason to believe that the diminutive dynamo will soon convert these agonizing 80s into glorious triple-figure scores, further solidifying his legacy as one of Bangladesh’s finest Test batsmen.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on news aggregated from multiple cricket sources. Cricket Mantra provides analysis and insights to cricket fans worldwide.