Bangladesh national team selector Habibul Bashar believes that they will undeniably miss the batting and bowling of their regular captain Shakib Al Hasan when they take on Afghanistan in the one-off Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on June 14.
Shakib, who suffered a finger strain during the second one-day international on May 12 against their Ireland counterpart in Chelmsford, England, was ruled out of the series and would undergo a six-week long rest and rehabilitation to resume his cricket.
‘Bangladesh would definitely miss Shakib’s batting and bowling. We always lack a player if he is not there. In fact, the availability of Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim always gives us an added advantage. Either we can pick up an additional bowler or batsman,’ said Habibul on Thursday in Mirpur.
Bangladesh played in just one Test match as yet against the Afghans back in 2019, where the Shakib led Tigers suffered a thrashing 224 run defeat at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattigram.
However, this time they are going to encounter their counterpart at their home venue. But what would be the wicket condition: spinning, pace-friendly, or a flat surface?
Responding to the question, Habibur voiced his unwillingness to reveal the enigma.
‘We definitely have a plan, and we are pretty straightforward on that. Let it be within us what sort of wicket we want and on what type of pitch we are aiming to battle them.’
‘As definitely, we wouldn’t reveal it before we take on the visitors. We all have a crystal clear idea regarding the wicket at Mirpur. So the wicket is being prepared according to our preferences.’
It had been reported in a few of the country’s media outlets that following the ruling out of Shakib, his vice captain, Liton Das, was also initially to lead the Tigers in red-ball cricket. However, after a meeting with the selection panel, the wicketkeeper batsman agreed in this connection.
Then who would be leading the hosts in the spinning department? In response to the question, the Tiger selector hinted at Taijul Islam and Mehdidy Hasan Miraz, adding that their fast bowling unit has also performed up to par in the white outfit in recent times.
‘Apart from Shakib, Taijul and Miraz are there, who also bowl superbly in Tests. At the same time, our fast bowling department is also very rich.’
The former Bangladesh captain further asserted that they would announce the squad for the one-off Test in the latter part of this month.
‘Since our A team is featured in a series, we are keeping keen eyes on it. Our coach [head coach] is expected to arrive on June 3, We will be finished forming the team by the end of this month.
