Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, is keeping his cards close to his chest about his batting position for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. After opening in a practice match in Dhaka, speculation abounds that Shanto might take on a similar role in the first Test at Galle on 17 June. This match marks the beginning of the fourth cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC).
Last WTC cycle saw Bangladesh’s openers struggle for form, with Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy all failing to make a significant impact. Despite Shadman’s recent century against Zimbabwe, both Joy and Zakir have been left out of the squad. Shanto himself has modest stats as an opener, averaging 18.83, with a duck in his last outing in this position against Ireland.
“I’m happy with the Test squad,” Shanto remarked. “I got the players that I wanted. You’ll see our plan during the first Test. We have tried to balance the bowling with four fast bowlers and four spinners, allowing us to go with different combinations. I’m ready to bat in any position. We have other top-order players, so plenty of options.”
The openers’ woes in the previous cycle were matched by an inconsistent middle order, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, normally a No 7 batsman, topping the run charts. However, Shanto is confident about his varied bowling attack, which includes dependable spinners Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, alongside promising talents like Nayeem Hasan and Hasan Murad.
“Galle can either offer a spinning or good batting track, and we are preparing accordingly. We noticed some spin against Australia earlier this year,” Shanto expressed. “Murad has performed well in first-class cricket and is ready if needed as a second left-arm spinner.”
The squad also sees the return of Ebadot Hossain, who missed two years of international cricket following an ACL injury. His form in domestic cricket this season and performance in the recent practice match, where he claimed significant wickets including Mushfiqur Rahim, bodes well for Bangladesh.
“We missed Ebadot for a long time. His injury came when he was playing well,” said Shanto, reflecting on the bowler’s hiatus.
With a clear focus on adaptability and strategy, Shanto emphasises the importance of flexibility not only in batting positions but also in adapting to conditions and opposition as Bangladesh embarks on its new WTC journey.
