'He's in his place, I'm in mine' - Mehidy on comparisons with Shakib Al Hasan

Mehidy Hasan Miraz downplayed comparisons with the legendary Shakib Al Hasan after Bangladesh lost the first Test against South Africa by seven wickets in Dhaka on Thursday, October 24. The 27-year-old has often been compared to Shakib because both of them are excellent all-rounders who have orchestrated famous wins for Bangladesh during their careers.

However, Mehidy said that it isn't right to compare him with the experienced Shakib as he has started performing well for his side only recently. The Khulna-born said that Shakib batted higher up the order and performed well from the intial stages of his career.

"Everyone says I will take Shakib bhai's place. He is a legend who has achieved a lot over 17 years. He batted higher up the order. He has been scoring runs since early in his career. I have started scoring runs consistently in the last one or two years. I bat at No. 7 or 8. Shakib is in his place, I am in my place. I think it's best not to compare us," Mehidy told the reporters as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Shakib is set to retire from the Test format after the series against South Africa. Meanwhile, Mehidy scored 97 in the first innings in Dhaka and took two wickets in the second. However, he could not salvage a win for his side as the hosts lost by seven wickets. Mehidy did not have a great time in India after winning the Player of the Series award in Bangladesh. His contribution with bat and ball will be crucial in the second and final Test as Bangladesh look to square the series.

To put things into perspective, Mehidy has scored 1799 runs at average is 23.36 in 48 Tests. With the ball, the off-spinner has taken 185 wickets at 32.62. Shakib, on the other hand, has featured in 71 Tests for the Bangla Tigers, and has 4609 runs  at 37.78. His bowling stats are also commendable as he has scalped 246 wickets at 31.72.

I always try to enjoy pressure situations: Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Mehidy has bailed Bangladesh out of trouble on several occasions, especially with the bat. He will look for more of the same in the second Test in Chattogram. He spoke about his mindset when tries to pull his team out of tense situations.

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"I always try to enjoy pressure situations. I see it as an opportunity to become a hero. I am happy to be making use of opportunities. I bat in a difficult position. I know that if I bat well from my position, the team may do well. If I don't do well, the team won't get a result. I am mentally trying to prepare myself to score runs. I am always trying to get better," Mehidy said.