Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selector Habibul Bashar Sumon said that Tigers need to step up and make a good comeback forgetting the T20 series loss against Pakistan when they lock horns with the host in the upcoming first Test, scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi from February 7.
The Pakistan Test will be a part of the ICC Test Championship and Bashar expects a fresh start from the Tigers this time around after suffering three consecutive Test defeats one against Afghanistan at home and two against India.
“We didn’t play good cricket against India and Afghanistan. So, this is an important series for us. I know it won’t be an easy task there because Pakistan is a mighty opponent at their home. But having few in-form players, I’m hoping guys will play best Test cricket there,” Bashar told reporters at the SBNCS yesterday.
“We made a worst ICC Test Championship journey and need to bounce back in Pakistan Test. It becomes a must for us. All the players who made the squad are committed. We made few changes due to injury concerns but definitely they are our future cricketers. Expecting a very good start from them because we desperately need that,” Bashar said.” he further added.
The BCB announced a 14-member squad for the upcoming Pakistan Test leaving Imrul Kayes, Shadman Islam, Mustafizur Rahman out of the squad while Mushfiqur Rahim omitted the tour citing personal reason while Soumya sarker, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Rubel recalled to the Test side.
Talking about the squad Bashar think the Board has made the squad considering the players’ recent run in the domestic cricket. He also explained the reasons why Soumya, Shanto, Mithun have been picked up.
“After Shanto left out of the national team, he scored runs in each format including A team, Emerging team, First-Class cricket, Premier League. We’ve always kept him under the radar for a while because he needs to be getting started at one point. I think if we could give him opportunity for at least five or six matches it would be great for him to settle things out and if he performs well, it will be a good sign for us,” Bashar said of Nazmul Hossain Shanto.
“Again, if you look at Soumya, he batted really well in New Zealand series. But poor form forced him out of the next series. Recently he regained his form a bit and this why we recalled him as a back-up batsman. He has shown that ability to bat at No.3 and also at No.6. So, he might bat at the middle order, if needed. He is being picked as a genuine batter.”
“Mithun is also running out of form. But we want to give him little more time before considering someone new. Actually, you need to perform well to secure your place in the team and that’s exactly why we’re giving out of form players enough time to prove their worth. Hopefully Mithun will come back hard. If he fails to deliver his best, we’ll have no option left except trying another player,” Bashar said of Mithun.
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