Taskin Ahmed 'really honoured' to be playing Test series against Australia

Taskin Ahmed is "honoured" to be part of the Bangladesh team which is currently touring Australia for a two-match Test series. This is only their second visit to the country for a Test series since 2003, when they lost a two-match series 2-0.

Taskin knows they have their task cut out against a formidable Aussie side but is also embracing it as a proud moment for the contingent.

"We are really honoured to be here to be playing the Test series against Australia," Taskin was reported as saying by Cricinfo. "No doubt Australia is one of the biggest teams in the world, and playing in Australia against Australia in Test cricket, it's a really proud moment for every one of our players. So, definitely that won't be an easy series for us, but still, we are hoping to do really well in the upcoming Australia series."

Taskin shared his admiration for Australia's legendary fast bowlers who have rendered their services over the years across formats. He also said he has been following Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland closely and would love to have a chat with them if possible.

"From my childhood, I've been watching Australia team players, like great fast bowlers, legendary players," Taskin said. "Really now I have the opportunity to play against them. So I'm really excited.

"Australia is my favourite place to bowl. I have been watching all of them, Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins, even Boland also doing well. If I have a chance to chat with them, definitely I will do."

Taskin is also drawing inspiration from Bangladesh's 2-1 win over the Aussies, which came recently in a three-match ODI series at home. While he is aware that the conditions are completely different in Australia, it serves as a reminder that the Aussies can be beaten.

"That was a really great series for us, especially because normally, traditionally in Mirpur, it used to be a turning and slow wicket, but the last series was pretty sporting conditions," Taskin said. "We all played a good series and we won against Australia. That's giving us really good confidence to play against them. But still, home and away, there is a big difference."