Bangladesh won only one game in the last two World Test Championship (WTC) cycles combined, but captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is confident his bowlers can spark an upturn in fortunes when they take on New Zealand at the start of a two-match series on Tuesday.
“I believe in the bowling attack we have. We are a team to win Test matches on home soil,” said Shanto, who replaces the injured Shakib Al Hasan as captain.
“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 those we play on home soil. As a team, it’s our first goal.”
Bangladesh finished last in the last two cycles and their only victory came against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui last year when pacer Ebadot Hossain claimed 6/46. It was Bangladesh’s only win over the Black Caps in 17 meetings.
Ebadot is sidelined with a knee injury while his pace colleague Taskin Ahmed is out due to a shoulder problem. The home team will also be without Tamim Iqbal, who is skipping the series, and Liton Das, who’s on paternity leave.
Shanto, who captained Bangladesh in two matches at the recent ODI World Cup, will be leading the side for the first time in a Test. He will be at the helm of an inexperienced side, but he sees it as a chance for the young players to establish themselves in the team.
“The series is an opportunity for them to make their case stronger,” Shanto said. “I believe the batters in the team are capable of playing long innings. They should take this series as a challenge.”
Both teams will be loaded with spinners, and New Zealand captain Tim Southee is predicting that the slow bowlers will decide the outcome. “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 won the first edition of the WTC but finished sixth last time round. “The start of the new cycle is exciting, though Bangladesh is a tough place to play Tests,” Southee said.
