Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto says that the full-strength side that Australia have selected for the upcoming Test series is a testament to the increased respect Bangladesh has garnered in international cricket.
Australia’s naming of a full-strength squad for the upcoming two-match Test series is a huge achievement for Bangladesh cricket, says Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Australia will be bringing in a lot of their big guns to the series, which is set to start in Darwin on August 13, and Shanto feels that the hosts are taking Bangladesh seriously and not trying a lot of experiments.
Shanto Sees Australia’s Selection as a Sign of Respect
It was rare for a visiting team to field their strongest side against Bangladesh, Shanto said in an interview ahead of the tour.
He said that Australia’s strategy was a big step for Bangladesh cricket as many of their opponents had done so in the past and had been playing younger teams.
The Bangladesh skipper says his team has the best chance to gauge its progress against world-class opposition with the opposition of one of the world’s strongest Test teams.
Australia Bring Star-Studded Test Squad
Australia have assembled a veteran team with some of the most renowned names in world cricket.
The pace attack is bolstered by Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, with Nathan Lyon, a veteran spinner, heading up the spin department.
The batting order will likely start with Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head, while all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster will provide the balance.
The experienced team underlines Australia’s intent to play well in the series.
Injury Concerns Trouble Bangladesh
Bangladesh are coming into the series with a few injury issues.
Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das, who suffered a calf injury earlier this year, is still in recovery and is not fit enough to make the grade for the opening Test.
Fast bowler Nahid Rana is also working on a side strain and left arm pacer Shoriful Islam is recovering from a hamstring injury, but may be fit for the second Test.
These players will be carefully assessed prior to their trip to Australia.
Workload Management Under Discussion
The workload of the fast bowlers in Bangladesh has come under question after they suffered from several setbacks.
But, Shanto said, the team’s medical staff and management team are responsible for determining player fitness and workload, and they are still keeping a close eye on the condition of each player.
The captain had expressed his faith in the support staff’s ability to make the right decisions in the lead up to the important Test series.
Ebadot Hossain Granted Personal Leave
Fast bowler Ebadot Hossain will miss the Australia tour to spend time with his wife and newborn child.
But it is reported that the pacer may return to the squad if Bangladesh need more fast bowlers due to injuries.
Two-Test Series Begins in August
The first Test between Australia and Bangladesh will be held in Darwin from August 13 to 17, before the pair head to Mackay for the second and final Test from August 22 to 26.
The series is likely to be a significant test for Bangladesh as they seek to put themselves to the test against one of the world’s top Test teams and to build their reputation in the longest format of the sport.
