Hyderabad: Bangladesh cricketer Shakib Al Hasan on Sunday said his side would like to put their best foot forward in the upcoming one-off Test against world number one India.
"Playing a Test in India for the first time is exciting. We know it is not easy and India is number one at the moment. It will be difficult for us but that is why we play cricket – face the challenge and do well," the allrounder told reporters on the sidelines of a two-day warm-up game against India A.
The Test match will be held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket stadium in Hyderabad from February 9.
The team need to put up a collective effort to the best of their ability to do well against India, he said.
He appreciated India captain Virat Kohli and others for their performances in recent times. He said his experience of playing in the IPL would come in handy.
Meanwhile, India A bowler Aniket Choudhary, who claimed four wickets on Sunday at the Gymkhana grounds, said that it felt good to put in a good performance.
"It's a big thing for me that I came to India A, and (am) doing well and took four wickets. It is a good feeling for me," he said. "The wicket suited my bowling."
Choudhary missed a hat-trick in the 61st over of the day.
"The ball was changed. The ball became old and soft. Then, we spoke to the umpire, spoke to the skipper that we should change the ball. The umpire said okay. I missed five wickets as there was a good chance but it's okay. Next time, I will definitely take," he said.
Choudhary added, "It's very important for me to play for country. I have been doing well in Ranji trophy. I got this chance also."
He said he was expecting an India A call-up last year as well.
