'I always believed': Mosaddek on ending four-year ODI exile in style

Bangladesh's batting all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain said on Tuesday that he always believed he can step up when it matters most for the country.

Mosaddek repaid the faith of the selection panel with a match-winning performance in the ODI series opener against Australia, recalled after a gap of four years for the first two games of the series.

Mosaddek, who hit a career-best unbeaten 86 off 70 balls with seven fours and three sixes, insisted he always had faith in his abilities. "Honestly, yes, I believed it. It's entirely up to management — who they use, when, and where. For those consistently performing in domestic cricket, if they can stay consistent, the door is open for everyone."

Mosaddek admitted frustration after being overlooked for years but added he never gave up hope. "Of course there was frustration. It wasn't an easy time. I always tried to stay patient and keep doing my job. I kept telling myself that when an opportunity comes, I should be ready to take it well. Allah has given me far more than I even asked for."

The 30-year-old forced his way back with impressive domestic performances: 310 runs in six innings at an average of 77.50 and a strike rate of 129.17, including one century and two half-centuries. He also took 12 wickets in seven innings.

"It definitely lifted me. If you keep performing, that belief stays that an opportunity may come. Everyone is trying to serve the country — that's the main goal."

Asked if he was surprised by the call-up: "Not really, considering the way I was playing in domestic cricket. I had the belief that if I kept it up, the opportunity would come."

On the on-field brawl between Josh Inglis and Nahid Rana: "Nothing much really happened. It was just a batter's frustration at getting out. A miscommunication — nothing serious. What happens on the field should stay on the field."

Mosaddek said Bangladesh are eyeing their maiden ODI series win against Australia. "This is certainly a historic win. There's a great opportunity ahead to win this series. If we stick to our process, it's absolutely possible. All of us need to believe that, Inshallah."