Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto says the team’s main goal is to play good cricket and earn Australia’s respect during the upcoming two Test series.
Bangladesh are set to play a Test series in Australia for the first time in 23 years. Shanto said it is a special moment for him and the team.
“I feel very lucky that we are going to Australia to play a Test series against them,” Shanto said at a press conference before the team’s departure.
He believes Bangladesh should have played more Tests in Australia over the years.
“We should have played more matches there over the last 23 years. If we had played better cricket, maybe we would have received more opportunities,” he said.
Shanto said the team wants to prove itself with a competitive performance.
“Our main goal is to play good cricket there and earn respect. If we can play competitive cricket, they will surely invite us again in the future.”
The Bangladesh captain said every team plays to win, but giving Australia a tough challenge will also be important.
“We play every match to win. But it is also important how much of a tough time we can give them,” he said.
Australia have named a full strength squad for the series. Shanto believes that shows how much respect Bangladesh have earned through their recent performances.
“I was very happy after seeing their squad. They have not taken us lightly,” he said.
“This respect has been earned by every player in the team because of the way we have played Test cricket over the last two or three years.”
Shanto added that Bangladesh must continue to improve if they want stronger teams to keep taking them seriously.
“The better we play, the more seriously our opponents will take us,” he said.
He also spoke about the absence of fast bowler Nahid Rana, who will miss the series through injury.
“It is unfortunate. It would have been better if Nahid was with us. But injuries are not in our control,” Shanto said.
