Joy on the Path to Breaking Bangladeshs Test Opening Curse

The opening position in Bangladesh’s Test cricket has long been a stage of endless trials. For nearly a decade, a familiar pattern has emerged: on one side, Tamim Iqbal represented reliability, while on the other, a constant influx of new faces came and went. With this lack of continuity, BCB selectors repeatedly looked to domestic cricket for solutions, yet a permanent fix remained elusive. Even Imrul Kayes, who once showed a glimmer of hope, eventually faded into the darkness of inconsistency. Whether it was Junaid Siddique, Enamul Haque Bijoy, or more recently Shanto or Sadman, none fully resolved the opening dilemma.

Amid these failures, the BCB selectors adopted a new approach: attempting to groom openers from those performing well in domestic cricket. But the challenge persisted elsewhere. Most of these players were accustomed to batting at number three or four. The mental and technical preparation required to face the new ball consistently was not fully present in any of them. A prime example is Liton Das, who comfortably opens in T20 cricket but prefers batting at four or five in Tests or ODIs. Opening is not merely about batting higher in the order; it demands a distinct type of mental resilience and technical rigor.

It is in this context that Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s story emerges. Joy earned his Test call-up primarily as a number three batter, having impressed in youth and first-class cricket. He came into the spotlight in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup semifinals against New Zealand, scoring a century at number three. In first-class cricket too, number three was his stronghold—112 off 195 balls, 121 off 211, and an 83-run innings later solidified his position. In nine innings, he batted at three eight times.

However, upon joining the Test squad, he was asked to open. There, a new chapter of his career began. Apart from one century against South Africa, Joy spent most matches struggling to secure his place. Yet he did not give up. Outside the national team, he redefined himself as an opener. In domestic cricket, especially in the latest National Cricket League T20s, he showed exceptional consistency.

Against Sylhet, his 110 off 63 balls, including nine sixes and five fours, restored his confidence at the crease. Across the tournament, he scored 323 runs at an average of nearly 47, making him one of the most talked-about performers domestically. He carried that form into four-day cricket as well—127 and 51 against Rajshahi, and 35 and an unbeaten 25 against Barishal. This consistent performance earned him a return to the national team.

After almost eight months, Joy returned to international cricket. Ironically, it was in Sylhet—the same venue where he had previously been left out of the Test squad. This time, the story was completely different. Against Ireland, he played a majestic innings. Ending the day unbeaten on 169, he propelled Bangladesh to 338 for one. With Sadman Islam, he stitched a 168-run opening stand, followed by an unbroken 170-run partnership with number three Mominul Haque to close the day.

Joy’s 169 came off 283 balls, featuring 14 fours and four sixes. A blend of patience and controlled aggression allowed him to prove himself anew in the tough reality of opening in Tests.

Opening remains one of the most challenging positions in Bangladesh cricket. Facing the swinging new ball, dealing with movement, and surviving the pace spells of opposing bowlers is no easy task. Yet Mahmudul Hasan Joy has shown that with patience and mental fortitude, it is possible to establish oneself in this role. By scoring consistently in domestic cricket, he demonstrated his capability before returning to the national side. Now, maintaining that consistency will be key.

In the long-standing darkness of Bangladesh’s Test opening woes, Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s return may signal a new light. How long that light will last only time will tell. For now, hope has emerged that Bangladesh has found a reliable presence at the top of the order.