Bangladesh gained just one match within the final two World Test Championship cycles mixed however captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is assured his bowlers can spark an upturn in fortunes once they tackle New Zealand in the beginning of a two-match sequence on Tuesday.
“I believe in the bowling attack we have. We are a team to win test matches on home soil,” mentioned Shanto, who replaces Shakib Al Hasan with the skipper dominated out by a finger damage. “We just have to keep trust in our ability and make it a habit.
“The new test cycle is very important for us. This year we’ll play two matches and then 12 matches next year so we have to focus on winning the matches we’ll play on home soil. As a team, it’s our first goal.” Bangladesh completed final within the final two cycles and its solely victory got here in opposition to New Zealand at Mount Maunganui final yr when tempo bowler Ebadot Hossain claimed 6-46.
It was Bangladesh’s solely win over the Black Caps in 17 conferences.
The dwelling crew will even on Tuesday be with out Tamim Iqbal, who’s skipping the sequence, and Liton Das, who’s on paternity go away.
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Hossain is sidelined with a knee damage and his new bowling accomplice Taskin Ahmed is lacking as a consequence of a shoulder drawback.
Shanto, who captained Bangladesh in two matches on the current World Cup, will likely be main the aspect for the primary time in a take a look at.
He will likely be on the helm of an inexperienced aspect however sees it as an opportunity for the younger gamers to determine themselves within the crew.
“The series is an opportunity for them to make their case stronger,” Shanto mentioned. “I believe the batters who are in the team are capable of playing long innings. They should take this series as a challenge.” Bangladesh gained solely two matches on the World Cup. “We were not up to the mark,” mentioned Shanto. “This is a different format but with the plan we have, if we can execute it properly we can beat New Zealand.” Sylhet has solely beforehand hosted one take a look at, in 2018, during which Bangladesh misplaced to Zimbabwe by 151 runs.
Both groups will likely be loaded with spinners and New Zealand captain Tim Southee is predicting that the sluggish bowlers will determine the result.
“We took a little look at the wicket,” Southee mentioned. “Of course spin will play a part. Spin historically plays a big role in this part of the world. Our spinners have done some great things in tests. We are looking forward to them showcasing their skills.” New Zealand gained the primary version of the WTC however completed sixth final time spherical.
“The start of the new cycle is exciting,” Southee mentioned. “It is a tough place to play tests. Bangladesh is strong in these conditions.”
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com