When the Tigers will begin their two-match Test seris today against South Africa, will have two different experiences when their long times team-mate Shakib Al Hassa will not with them and will play under new coach Phil Simmons, who replaced recent past Chandika Hathurusingha.
But Shanto said, “Now, our focus is on winning the Test that starts tomorrow (today. We would have been happy if it was his farewell Test. We all know why he is unable to come."
Shakib Al Hassan, who announced his retirement from Test cricket in Kanpur during Bangladesh Test series against India and desired to play his farewell Test at home ground, after the government advice the ace allrounder could not come to the country due to security reasons.
At the same time, Chandika Hathuru Singha was sacked with 48 hours notice allegedly for breaching rules and misconduct and Phil Simmons, former West Indian player and coach appointed as Tigers’ head coach.
However, South Africans are in Bangladesh after nine years when Bangladesh look to begin post-Shakib era on winning note.
Might be it would be great opportunity for Bangladesh to break the winning draught in Test cricket against South Africa when out 14 previous matches Tigers could manage only two draws and the Proteas won rest of 12 matches.
In fact, ahead of the first Test from today against South Africa, overall situation is something scruffy, as Simmons took over the charge as new new head coach of the Tigers just Bangladesh's head coach just six days to start the Test match. Chandika Hathurusinghe, who was sacked last week, has since hit back at the Bangladesh Cricket Board, saying that his termination was pre-planned.
However, instead of a legend’s goodbye, Bangladesh captain Nazmul Hassan Shanto is looking forward to win the Test when he put across his expectation in a press conference on Sunday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur.
“Our focus is on winning the Test that starts tomorrow. We would have been happy if it would be Shakib’s farewell Test. We all know why he is unable to come,” Shanto first of all mentioned Shakib Al Hssan’s issue.
“Now the No. 7 becomes a crucial spot. We don’t have anyone exactly like Shakib Bhai but Miraz can be a very good option. He is bowling and batting superbly. There are more responsibilities, which Miraz is prepared for. He has improved his batting. He is taking the team to good positions, if you look at the last few Tests. I would hope that Miraz can take that place in the next couple of years.”
Shanto, replying to a query about the uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad replaced Shakib in the squad for the first Test said that he (Murad) deserved the call-up, and also uttered confidence in his spin attack.
“Now we have four quality spinners in the side. Hasan Murad has an outstanding first-class record. He bowls well in all types of wickets. It is a deserved the call up. Nayeem couldn’t break into the side despite playing well recently. Whether we pick three or four spinners tomorrow, they are all capable. Regardless of our combination, we will give our best."
