It is critical to begin the Test Championship on a high note: Shanto
As Bangladesh prepares to play Sri Lanka in the first game of the two-match Test series at Galle International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, Test skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto stressed the importance of getting off to a strong start in the 2017 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
"Starting the WTC on a positive note is absolutely crucial," Shanto stated. "I believe we have adequately prepared for the challenge posed by Sri Lanka. It would be challenging against them on their backyard but we are positive about our chances.”
When Shanto won their 100th Test match in Sri Lanka in 2017, the positive memories there strengthened their faith. However, that was the only Test match in which Bangladesh defeated the Lankan team.
In 26 Test matches against Lanka, Bangladesh lost 20 and drew five. Shanto thinks they can turn things around this time, even though their records are not great.
"I am hoping we can get off to a strong start in the tournament. Although we have pleasant memories of Sri Lanka, which will be useful, Shanto stated that every series is a fresh start and that the top order must assume responsibility for posing a serious threat to Sri Lanka.
"Getting off to a strong start is what matters. The task of giving the team a strong start must fall on the top order. It will be a fantastic chance to achieve something unique here because we have a strong team," he said.
Shanto's confidence was further bolstered by their strong away performance from the previous cycle, where they placed eighth.
In fact, Bangladesh's WTC cycle exhibited a slow improvement. They finished with a single victory in the 2021–2023 WTC cycle, despite being winless in the first cycle, which took place between 2019 and 2021.
However, they won four games in the 2023–25 season, three of which were away games, including a historic 2-0 thumping of Pakistan.
"In the last cycle, we performed fairly well abroad. "Hopefully, we can pick up where we left off," Shanto remarked.
In the past, the Gall tended to favor the spinners, but Shanto emphasized the importance of batting effectively, stating that the batsmen may dominate the first two or three days.
Because spinners take a lot of wickets at this location, hitters will face difficulties. However, we must also take into account that there are a lot of runs during the first two to three days," he stated.
"We must bat effectively. Despite all of the difficulties, we are enjoying each other's presence.
Shanto achieved his highest Test score of 163 during the 2021 Sri Lanka trip. "I had some excellent recollections in Kandy," he remarked, recalling that particular experience. I would like to seize the chance in Galle.
Additionally, he emphasized his delight with the team's balance, stating that, depending on the situation, they have all the components to make a powerful combination.
"I am pleased with the Test team. That we could all agree on this mix, in my opinion, is also quite beneficial," he continued.
It is a well-rounded team with plenty of bowling and batting options. Depending on the circumstances and the opposition, we can choose the XI.
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