Veteran Bangladeshi cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim is on the brink of a historic milestone as he enters the second Test against Australia in Mackay, needing just 158 runs to become the first Bangladeshi batter to score 7,000 Test runs. The 39-year-old has accumulated 6,842 runs from 104 Tests and 191 innings, showcasing his enduring excellence in the longest format of the game.
Mushfiqur made his Test debut against England at Lord's on May 26, 2005, at the tender age of 18. Over two decades later, he remains one of Bangladesh's most accomplished Test players. His journey has been marked by numerous milestones, including becoming the first Bangladeshi to play 100 Tests, a feat he celebrated with a century against Ireland in 2025.
Currently leading Bangladesh's Test run-scorers, Mushfiqur has 14 Test centuries, 29 fifties, and three double-centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 219 against Zimbabwe in Mirpur in 2018. His recent form has been stellar, scoring 191 against Pakistan in the 2024 Rawalpindi Test and being named player of the series against Pakistan earlier this year after scoring 253 runs in four innings.
The upcoming Test in Mackay is particularly significant as it marks Mushfiqur's first Test tour on Australian soil. Although he fell short in the first Test in Darwin, scoring 36 from 55 balls, he will be looking to make a substantial contribution in Mackay to achieve the coveted 7,000-run mark. Australia is expected to field a strong pace attack featuring Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, making Mushfiqur's task even more challenging.
Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has praised Mushfiqur's current form and attitude, stating, 'He is enjoying it brilliantly. You can see it on the field. He is very happy to be playing. He has played more than 100 Tests, so there is nothing left for him to prove. I am very happy with him.' Mushfiqur's consistent performances have underlined his importance to the team, and reaching 7,000 Test runs would be a crowning achievement in his illustrious career.
For Bangladesh, Mushfiqur's milestone would be a significant moment, highlighting the progress and depth of their Test cricket. It would also serve as an inspiration for younger players, showcasing the heights that can be achieved through dedication and perseverance. As Mushfiqur steps onto the field in Mackay, all eyes will be on him to see if he can etch his name in the history books.
