Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has called on his side to focus on steady progress as they prepare for their first Test of the year in a two match series against Pakistan.
The series begins on Friday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The second Test will be played at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.
Speaking before the opening match, Shanto said Bangladesh must take confidence from past success but stay focused on the present.
“We played good cricket in the last series. That is now in the past. But that series will give us extra confidence. We have to play well again in this series. We have to play good cricket every day, then maybe the result will go in our favour. We are not thinking about records. Playing well every day is the important thing.”
Bangladesh return to red ball cricket after a long break, and Shanto believes daily consistency will be the key in the home series.
He also addressed questions about his batting numbers in Mirpur, a venue known for difficult conditions.
“Mirpur has always been challenging. Batting here has always come with many challenges. If I had played on better wickets, or if those before us had played on better wickets, then maybe averages or strike rates would have been in a better place. But that is not in the players’ control.”
Shanto said recent improvements in the Mirpur surface have been encouraging, especially during white ball matches, and hopes batters will continue to benefit.
The Bangladesh skipper also welcomed the return of fast bowler Taskin Ahmed for the Pakistan series.
“The best thing is that Taskin always wants to play Test cricket. Before this Test, there were long discussions with the trainer and physio. He is fit to play, and that is why he has been included.”
Shanto believes Taskin’s presence gives the side extra energy and balance.
“Whenever Taskin is in the team, the captain’s job becomes easier because we get extra effort from him.”
Looking ahead to both Tests, Shanto said Bangladesh have the experience to adjust to different conditions in Dhaka and Sylhet.
“We are expecting a good wicket. Our bowling attack is experienced. Many of our batters have been playing this format for a long time. Whatever the wicket is like, we have both good pacers and spinners.”
After months away from Test cricket, Shanto admitted the return will be demanding, especially for specialist players, but backed his squad’s professionalism.
Bangladesh now head into their first red ball assignment of the year with home advantage, renewed confidence and a clear goal to deliver across both Tests against Pakistan.
