Online Desk: Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha lauded the Tigers’ ODI and Test skipper Shakib Al Hasan for reaching the milestone of 7000 ODI runs in ODIs, saying that had the premier all-rounder played in conditions like England, Australia, or even India, he would have scored around 12,000 runs in the 50-over format.

“Shakib, I know playing in Bangladesh most of the time, and earlier, playing against other teams who had better bowling attacks [than Bangladesh], which is not the case now, at least not for the last five to six years, but maybe when you were starting [in your career], it’s not easy,” Hathurusingha was heard as saying during an appreciation speech at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium dressing room in a video posted from the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s [BCB] official Facebook page on Wednesday.

Shakib reached yet another milestone in the ongoing full series at home against Ireland as he became only the second Bangladeshi after ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal to reach 7000 runs in the 50-over format during his 93-run knock in the first ODI against the Irish side last Saturday. He also became only the third player, after Sanath Jayasuriya (13430 runs, 323 wickets) and Shahid Afridi (8064 runs, 395 wickets), to score 7000 runs and take 300 wickets in ODI cricket. “And the other thing is, to score a lot of runs here is not easy. If you had played somewhere in England, Australia, or India, it would have been 10,000 or 12,000 runs for your talent. This is a very big achievement, well done,” Hathurusingha added as he handed a plaque to the champion cricketer.

Bangladesh team management also acknowledged the achievements of Tamim and Mushfiqur Rahim, who also reached different milestones in the Ireland series. Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim became the first Bangladeshi and 40th overall to reach 15,000 international runs during his 23-run knock in the second ODI against Ireland last Monday.

“If you start flying, this team will be an even better team and will fly in the World Cup [upcoming ODI World Cup in India later this year]. So, congratulations on 15,000 [runs in international cricket],” Bangladesh batting coach Jamie Siddons said addressing Tamim.  Siddons also added that all the four stalwarts of Bangladesh — Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiqur, and Riyad — can still have the best three years of their careers.

“I know you are a great player, and when I first came back to Bangladesh this time, I wanted to make sure that you [Tamim], Mushy [Mushfiqur Rahim], Shakib, and even [Mahmudullah] Riyad have the best three years of your career. If you are gonna finish your career in three years or whenever it is, I still think you can have your best three years. So, let’s make sure we get you back to that. Well done,” Siddons said before giving Tamim his plaque.

Mushfiqur, who also received a plaque from Hathurusingha, also reached the landmark of 7000 ODI runs, becoming the third Bangladeshi after Tamim and Shakib to do so during a blistering 60-ball century against Ireland in the second ODI. His 60-ball hundred is now the quickest in ODIs by a Bangladesh player, bettering the 63-ball ton Shakib had made against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in 2009.