Shanto hopes to overcome Pakistan challenge in Test series

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto oozed with confidence to overcome a stern challenge in the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, stating that the Test team will be bolstered by some experienced players who would bring a good balance into the team.

Bangladesh had endured a tough time of late after having a ‘not up to the mark’ T20 campaign, largely because of their insipid batting performance. The batting line up however would have to face the bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Ameer Jamal and co, who are believed to be tough to handle on Pakistan soil.

Past records show that instead of good memories, Bangladesh had bad memories in the last tour on Pakistan soil in 2020. Bangladesh lost by an innings margin in Rawalpindi Test after a meek surrender.

Speaking at an event today in Dhaka, Shanto said unlike the T20 team, the Test squad will have enormous depth after the inclusion of the likes of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque.

“I won’t tell the plan, it’s up in the sleeve. I think Pakistan’s bowling will definitely be very challenging. They are a very good team, specially at their own den. But I think we have quite a few experienced players in this format. The likes of Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque are in the Test team and there are other players. If we can show that experience and play to our strength, I believe we can pose a tough challenge even on Pakistan soil.”

Shanto believes the preparation will be up to the mark this time around because most of the Test players will get some matches ahead of the series to prepare them well.

The Test regulars like Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Sadman Islam went to Australia with the HP team which will play two four-day matches there. On the other hand, Mushfiqur Rahim and Muminul Haque are scheduled to play a four-day match in Pakistan with the Bangladesh A team. Shanto and other players will also play two preparation matches in the country.

Shanto however looked satisfied with the practice and preparation schedule.

“A number of players who are likely to be included in the original squad have gone to Australia. It’s a good opportunity for them to prepare well for the Test series. We have two practice matches ahead in Chattogram. Those who will be involved in these matches will be able to prepare properly. If you talk about the planning, it’s good. There will also be several warm-up sessions before we leave,” he opined.
Bangladesh have played only two Tests so far in this year while Pakistan haven’t played a single match in this format. Both teams failed to live up to their expectations in the T20 World Cup and so are under some pressure. But since the format is different, the teams will look different.

Shanto thinks what happened in the past is past now as they are preparing for a new series in other format. He is quite confident that the players will be highly motivated to earn a good result from Pakistan.

“It’s not only about the good or bad series or tournament. Even if it’s bad, we have to move forward. Although it is good, there is no need to think too much about it. Being present is very important,” he added.

“As you said, the format is different, so several players who were not in the T20 format, will play this Test format. Those who will come have already been preparing for the Pakistan series. We should definitely start the next series well. We played the last Test against Sri Lanka a long time ago. Everyone is getting a good amount of time to prepare before this series. I hope we can show a better performance.” (BSS)