Bangladesh National Cricket Team captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has warned the Australia National Cricket Team ahead of the first Test match of the two-match Test series. Najmul Hossain Shanto warns that the Bangladesh bowlers will provide a tough time to the Australia batters in the upcoming series. This is a massive statement by the Test captain.
The first match is scheduled to take place from 13th August at the Marrara Cricket Ground (MCG 2), Darwin. This is the first time in 23 years that Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side will be travelling to Australia for a Test series, as they previously have never played a Test match down under.
“We have the bowlers to take 20 wickets”- Najmul Hossain Shanto confident of dismantling Australia batters
While speaking with Cricinfo, Najmul Hossain Shanto stated that he believes that the bowling attack of Bangladesh will be able to pick 20 wickets in the Aussie conditions, and they believe that they will play good cricket in Australia. He also stated that the Bangla Tigers have experienced spinners who will support the pacers.
“I have full faith in the team bound for Australia,” Shanto said. “I believe we can play good cricket. I think there’s really no point in talking about what might have been. Injuries aren’t really avoidable in this day and age. I think we have the bowlers to take 20 wickets especially in Australian conditions.”
“We have two experienced spinners who can complement the fast bowlers. We have a capable pace attack. Everyone except Musfik (Hasan) is experienced. They have to give their best to take the 20 wickets.”
Najmul Hossain Shanto thankful to Australia to play first time a Test series
Shanto also feels thankful that they will play a Test series against the Aussies. He feels that in previous times the Bangla Tigers should have played more matches, especially Test cricket in Australia. Shanto is confident that they will earn respect from their competitive nature and will earn another call-up in the future.
“I think we are very lucky to play Tests in Australia. We should have played more matches there in the last 23 years, although we haven’t done that well in the format,” he said.
“So now that we are going to Australia, I hope that we play good cricket and earn the respect. I am hopeful our competitive nature will earn us another invitation there. It is important that we can play good cricket, try to win and give them a hard time.”
Najmul Hossain Shanto respects the Australia bowling attack
Shanto talked about the bowling attack of Australia, which comprises skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon. He is fully convinced that the batters will have a great opportunity to play against a quality bowling attack, and the batters are excited to face them as well.
“I think it is a great opportunity for our batters to do well against such a bowling attack. I can see that the batters are quite excited to face the Australia attack. More important than making an early score prediction, I want to see whether we are enjoying and handling the challenge properly. We only get to see such a bowling attack on TV, so I am really excited to face them.”
