Mushtaq believes, "If we play good cricket, why not the Test Championship final?"

The euphoria surrounding the fairytale victory Bangladesh achieved against Australia in Darwin has not yet faded. Following that win, the dream of playing in the ICC World Test Championship final no longer seems like a distant prospect. With three wins from six matches in the current cycle, Bangladesh currently holds the fourth position, boasting a points percentage of 55.56.

Bangladesh still has six Test matches ahead. Najmul Hossain Shanto’s team is set to play two Tests each against the West Indies and England at home, and two Tests on South African soil. According to the ICC schedule, these six matches represent the next major test in Bangladesh's journey toward the final.

Winning at least four of these six matches would create an opportunity to strengthen their position in the race for the final—though the ultimate outcome will also depend on the results of other teams. Mushtaq Ahmed, the spin bowling coach of the Bangladesh team, remains confident about that challenge.

"Why not, if Allah wills it?"

While working at a camp with age-level spinners in Mirpur, Mushtaq was asked if Bangladesh could reach the Test Championship final this time.

His confident reply was:

"Why not, if Allah wills it? We are in a great position right now. If we can play good cricket and maintain belief in ourselves, then—playing well and with Allah's will—we could ultimately find ourselves on the path to winning the title."

Bangladesh’s start to the current cycle was not particularly comfortable. However, a series victory against Pakistan at home and the historic win against Australia in Darwin have brought the team back into the race for the final. Although Australia won the second Test to level the series 1-1, the victory in Darwin significantly boosted Bangladesh's points percentage.

What did Mushtaq teach Miraz?

Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a pivotal role in Bangladesh's nine-wicket victory in the Darwin Test against Australia. The off-spinner dismantled the Australian batting lineup by claiming five wickets in the second innings.

Following that success, Miraz acknowledged Mushtaq Ahmed's contribution. However, Mushtaq does not claim to have taught Miraz any special "magic trick." According to him, the key lies in truly grasping the fundamentals of spin bowling.

"I think it’s simple. To get a batsman out, you have to bowl a good over. You need to understand the pitch—how much overspin or spin is required, and the angle of delivery (whether from wide of the crease or close to the stumps)—and master these tactical nuances," he said.

It’s not just about a good delivery; it’s about a ‘good over.’

Mushtaq believes that for a spinner, making decisions based on the match situation is paramount.

"Then, you have to assess what the situation demands at that moment. In spin bowling, one factor is always crucial: knowing when to attack and when not to. Is the situation one where restricting runs is more important, or is it about taking wickets?"

He also emphasized setting the field according to the pitch's nature and bowling with an understanding of the batsman's strengths.

"What kind of field should be set when the pitch is offering turn? What are the batsman's strengths? These are the things they need to learn. It isn't just a good delivery, but a good over that will earn you wickets."

Six tough Tests ahead

The victory in Darwin has instilled fresh confidence in Bangladesh regarding the race to the final. However, the road ahead is long. Although Bangladesh currently sits fourth in the ICC standings, only the top two teams will advance to the final.

This means that achieving consistent results in the remaining six Tests—against the West Indies, South Africa, and England—will be Bangladesh's ultimate test. Mushtaq believes that if they have faith in their cricket and their abilities, navigating this path is not impossible.

Now, the task is to turn the message sent by defeating Australia in Darwin into consistent performance.