The Bangladesh cricket team is all set to begin their two-match Test series against South Africa on Monday with the Dhaka Test, which will be the first Test of the hosts after their premier allrounder Shakib Al Hasan announced his retirement.
Before the Kanpur Test during Bangladesh’s last India tour, Shakib announced his retirement and expressed his desire to play his final Test in Dhaka in front of the home crowd. However, due to his political identity, Shakib was advised not to come to Bangladesh because of safety concerns, which has effectively made the Kanpur Test his last.
Shanto calls Shakib’s absence ‘unfortunate’ ahead of South Africa Test
Bangladesh captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, however, said he still hopes Shakib will one day retire in front of the home crowd.
Keeping the Shakib controversy behind, the Bangladesh team is looking forward to changing their fate against South Africa, the team they never beat in Tests.
“If we talk to0 much about this, nothing will change,” Shanto said. “Rather, we want to play good cricket and execute our plan well. If we can play according to our plan, we can get a different result against South Africa this time.”
It’s been a decade since South Africa won a Test series in the subcontinent, which proved their dismal performance in the format in the subcontinent. Bangladesh’s new coach, Phil Simmons, who took the post after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) suspended the previous coach, Chandika Hatushingha, said it’s a great opportunity for Bangladesh.
“It is definitely a good opportunity. Bangladesh are usually very strong at home. So it is a very good opportunity for us to win the Test series,” Simmons said on his first interaction with media in Bangladesh.
Shanto also echoed the same idea. He said Bangladesh will be the favorite in this series. He added that spinners will play a crucial role in this series.
“This series is going to be difficult for both teams,” the Bangladesh captain said. “I think we are a bit ahead of them at home. Spinners will play a big role there, as always. I am not looking for anything extra, just what they did in the past.”