Habibul Bashar has backed Tanzid Hasan Tamim after his Test debut in Sylhet and said Amite Hasan is still part of Bangladesh’s long-term plans.
Speaking during the second Test against Pakistan, Bashar said his current focus remains on the Sylhet match before he turns attention to his role in the World Cup investigation committee.
“I told them that right now my focus is only on the Test match. After Sylhet, we will sit and decide how the work will be done,” Bashar said.
Bashar also praised Tanzid’s positive start on debut, even though the young opener could not turn it into a big innings.
“He made a good start. He looks good, but definitely he has a long way to go. It is his first Test, first innings, maybe there was some nervousness. But he is a good player,” Bashar said.
Tanzid made 26 after replacing injured opener Shadman Islam and showed attacking intent in difficult morning conditions.
Bashar said Bangladesh wanted Tanzid to play his natural game.
“When we picked him, we told him to bat in his own way. The morning conditions were not easy. I think some counterattack was needed too,” Bashar said.
He added that Tanzid now needs to build bigger innings because Bangladesh need stronger contributions from the top order.
“Definitely in Test cricket he has to make the innings bigger. I hope his future innings will be bigger,” he said.
Bashar also spoke about Amite Hasan, who is in the squad but has not yet played in the Pakistan series.
He made it clear that Amite’s selection is part of a bigger plan.
“When we take someone into the squad, we do it because we believe he has the quality. Team combination can sometimes keep someone out, but that does not mean we do not have future plans for him,” Bashar said.
He said Bangladesh selected Amite not just for one series, but with long-term thinking.
“We took him thinking long term. Amite may not have got the chance in these two Tests, but if the combination fits, he will definitely play.”
