Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believes his bowlers have the ability to take all 20 wickets in the upcoming Test series against Australia. It is a target he has spoken about in recent months, and he is now hoping the bowling unit can turn that belief into reality.
Speaking at a press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday, Shanto said, “In the conditions we get in Australia, there is certainly the expectation that they will take all 20 wickets.”
Bangladesh’s pace attack has suffered a blow ahead of the series, with Nahid Rana ruled out due to a Grade-2 side strain, while Shoriful Islam is unlikely to be available for the series opener in Darwin because of a hamstring issue.
The remaining pace options include Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed and uncapped Mushfik Hasan, while the squad also has two experienced spinners in Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Despite missing two frontline pacers, Shanto remains confident in his bowling group. “We also have two good, experienced spinners who can support the fast bowlers,” he said.
With Taskin expected to lead the pace attack, Shanto also backed uncapped right-arm pacer Mushfik.
He praised the overall quality of the pace unit, saying, “The pacers in the squad are capable, and apart from Mushfik, everyone has been playing international cricket for many years and has a lot of experience. If they can deliver their best bowling, taking 20 wickets is definitely possible.”
