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Bangladesh have won just one match in the last two World Test Championship (WTC) cycles but new captain Nazmul Hussain Shanto hopes his bowlers can turn the team’s fortunes around in the two-match series against New Zealand starting on Tuesday. In the first match of the current cycle of the WTC (2023-2025), Bangladesh will be without the services of captain Shakib Al Hasan, veterans Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das, as well as pacers Ibadat Hussain and Taskin Ahmed.
Shakib, Hussain and Taskin are injured while Tamim is out of the squad and Litten is on paternity leave. Shanto, who captained Bangladesh in two matches in the recent ODI World Cup, will lead the team in Tests for the first time. Shanto said before the match, “I have confidence in the team’s bowling attack. We have the ability to win matches at home ground. We just have to believe in our abilities and make it a habit.”
Bangladesh finished last in both the preliminary rounds of the WTC. During this period, the team’s only win was against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui. This is Bangladesh’s only win in 17 Tests between the two teams. Shanto said the team lacks experience but the young players are ready to prove themselves. He said, “The series will be an opportunity for them to stake their claim. I believe the batsmen in the team are capable of playing long innings.” They should take this series as a challenge.