Zimbabwe debutant reveals the inspiration behind his Test debut

Bangladesh v Zimbabwe, Scorecard

Zimbabwe debutant Vincent Masekesa has revealed the inspiration he has received from fellow spinning greats that has helped his rise to the top.

Masekesa won his Test debut during the ongoing second Test between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh and the 28-year-old has already made a strong impression by picking up three wickets on the second day of play in Chattogram.

It's been a long time coming for Masekesa, who only made his first-class debut at the start of 2021 and finally won a first Test cap on the back of taking plenty of wickets for Mountaineers in Zimbabwe's domestic Logan Cup competition.

Masekesa was the leading wicket-taker in the Logan Cup last season with 43 scalps and his efforts obviously caught the eye of Zimbabwe selectors as the leg-spinner earned a first Test cap against Bangladesh.

Unsurprisingly, Masekesa nominated champion spinner Shane Warne as someone he admires and also singled out a host of current day tweakers that are still at the top of their game.

"I am always a big fan of leg-spinners. Shane Warne obviously and most of the Zimbabwe leg-spinners and growing up Graeme Cremer was there," Masekesa said.

"I also look up to Adil Rashid from England, (Yuzvendra) Chahal from India...(Adam) Zampa from Australia. Even Rishad (Hossain) from Bangladesh."

Masekesa didn't take long to make an impression with the ball on debut as he picked up Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto for his first Test scalp and then added a further two wickets later in the day as Zimbabwe fought hard in the series finale.

"Honestly, I wasn't expecting that (first wicket) at that exact moment but it meant a lot. Representing Zimbabwe in Test cricket is a big opportunity, and I was really happy," Masekesa said.

A century to Shadman Islam helped Bangladesh obtain a first innings lead by stumps on the second day of the Test, but Masekesa believes his team is still well in contention of fighting back and picking up the win to complete a series sweep.

"They're playing well, no doubt. But we're still very much in this game. We'll fight hard to keep things under control tomorrow," he said.