DHAKA, Nov 18, 2025 (BSS)- Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons paid a glowing 
tribute to Mushfiqur Rahim on the eve of his 100th Test as the country's 
first cricketer, hailing him as one of the legends of the game.

"He is definitely a legend of the game," Simmons said during the pre-match 
conference for the second Test between Bangladesh and Ireland.
The match, starting tomorrow (Wednesday) will be Mushfiqur Rahim's 100th 
Test.

Mushfiqur has been Bangladesh's best Test batter over the years, scoring 
highest runs for the country in this format and also hit three double 
centuries, when no Bangladesh batter scored more than one double century.

"I think there's not many players who scored the amount of doubles he's 
scored in Test cricket and, and he's performed over a number of years, as you 
say, what, 20 years? So he must be a legend because that longevity puts him 
in that category, and the performance is...."

Simmons also took note of Mushfiqur's professionalism, saying that the way he 
prepares him for the game, something is a treat to watch. He also said the 
young generation should follow him to know how to carry themselves for a 
grueling cricket journey. 

"We have to acknowledge his professionalism and his longevity and just his 
desire to play cricket for Bangladesh. Because to get 100 Test matches, 
Bangladesh doesn't play 15 a year, so it's taken him a period of time and we 
must appreciate that," Simmons said.
 
"And I think, from working with him for a short time, the professionalism is 
extremely high, and I will be so happy for him tomorrow when that occasion 
comes."

Also Mushfiqur has the immense desire to perform at the highest level for 
which he did extreme hard work, Simmon added.

"I think his secret is professionalism. It's how you carry yourself, how you 
work at improving your game, and how you work at being successful at 
international level. Because when you look back, he has been successful at 
international level and that keeps him there," Simmons said.

"But there is also a desire in him and all the others who play 100 and 150 
Test matches to continue to do well. So, I think that's the big thing we have 
to look at: the desire to continue to improve, to continue to get better, and 
perform at that level."

Simmons also pointed out Mushfiqur's knack to change him according to the 
demand of the time.

"I think the message from him, and me looking at him, is the professional 
side. How he carries himself, how he trains, but also how he wants to try and 
get better," he said.

"And at this level, you cannot be stagnant, you have to always try and get 
better because the cricketing world is very small now with technology. So 
people are assessing you all the time, so you have to always try and evolve. 
So he has evolved many times, I'm sure since he started."