Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Test opening batter, Ben Curran has urged his teammates to guard against complacency as they prepare to face Bangladesh in the second Test match in Chattogram starting this morning.
The Chevrons, on the brink of a historic series win, lead the two-match series 1-0 following their heroic three wickets win in Sylhet last week. Curran, who has provided stability at the top, alongside Brian Bennett, said they are expecting Bangladesh to come full force on them.
Zimbabwe are looking to win their first Test series in 14 years, having last done so in 2011, coincidentally, against Bangladesh, in Harare.
The 28-year-old Curran isn’t expecting a walk in the park.
“We are expecting Bangladesh to come really hard at us. We are not expecting this to be an easy game. We have to work hard for every moment. We can hopefully put in a similar performance to last game,” said Curran.
Following the historic victory in the series opener, where Zimbabwe pulled off their most successful run chase in Test cricket, chasing 174, Curran said the side is high in confidence.
The Chevrons arrived in Chattogram on Friday and hit the ground running with a practice session on Saturday as they sought to try and quickly adapt to the new condition.
“Winning Tests always gives guys confidence. Everyone is going to take different learning from the win in Sylhet. As long as we are prepared to move forward as individuals, we are in a good place,” he said.
Apart from pulling off their most successful run chase in Test cricket, the Sylhet match was Zimbabwe’s fourth away Test win, their first in seven years and their first Test match win in four years.
The famous win was spearheaded by Blessing Muzarabani who finished with figures of 9/122, the best by any Zimbabwean bowler in Bangladesh. Muzarabani also became the joint fastest bowler to 50 Test wickets for Zimbabwe, equalling Heath Streak, in 11 matches.
Sean Williams (20 years and 58 days: until the end of the first Test) now has the longest active career in men’s international cricket.
Williams is one of the senior players in the squad alongside skipper, Craig Ervine. Curran, who made his Test debut in December last year, said he is tapping knowledge from the two greats.
“I am relatively new in international cricket so I am like a sponge trying to learn as much as I can from Sean and Craig.
“It will help my development. I will be silly if I didn’t try to tap into their experience,” he said.
The second Test match starts at 6.am (Zimbabwean Time).
– @brandon_malvin
