Bangladesh can dominate in Test cricket: Hasan Mahmud

Hasan Mahmud – one of the key figures in Bangladesh’s recent surge in Test cricket – feels the time has come for the teamhed away their underdog tag and ‘dominate’ in the five-day format.

"The momentum is coming towards us, definitely," the 26-year-old told French news agency AFP in an interview published on Monday.

"The atmosphere is such that Bangladesh can now dominate in Test cricket. We haven't dominated [in Test cricket]. Now is the time," he added.

Bangladesh sit fourth in the Championship table after the historic nine-wicket win over Australia in Darwin.

Hasan played a pivotal role in that win, claiming 6-55, as Bangladesh won their maiden Test on Australian soil in their very first attempt after 21 years.

Bangladesh have won six of their last 13 Tests over the past two years, and Hasan feels now is the time go strive for a berth in the ICC World Test Championship final.

“If we win four matches at home, why shouldn't we play in the World Test Championship final? That's the dream for Bangladesh now," he said.

Six Tests remain in the current cycle, including home series against the West Indies and England, and a tour of South Africa.

Hasan also made waves in England recently in his maiden stint in County Cricket, claiming 26 wickets across four four-day matches for Kent, helping them earn promotion to the top flight.

Kent also picked Hasan’s Bangladesh teammate Khaled Ahmed for their last three matches of the season, who also made an immediate impact, claiming 16 wickets.

Hasan said his and Khaled’s performances have helped changed perceptions about Bangladeshi pacers.

"Since we started playing, the thinking has changed. They now realise Bangladesh also has good-quality fast bowlers who can be world-class."