Najmul banks on cohesive team play to succeed against experienced India
Bangladesh’s tour of India begins with the Chennai Test on 19 September.
Fresh off a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Pakistan, Bangladesh will now look to upend neighbours India in their upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series.
Speaking to reporters before departing for India, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believed his side could overcome their more experienced opponents if they looked to function and deliver as a team.
Batting highlights as Najmul Hossain Shanto hit a half-century for Bangladesh against Sri Lanka at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
“Our spin and pace is in a good frame,” Najmul added. “But still if you compare the teams, I feel our pacers are relatively less experienced compared to them. Spin-wise we are closer to them but experience-wise, I would keep them ahead but our spinners can bowl in any condition.
“And I can say this much - that all the players, whether pacers, spinners or batters, whoever will play, every player will give a hundred percent. The difference can be made when we play as a team.”
Apart from their recent outing in Pakistan, Bangladesh will also take heart from the fact that some of the more experienced names like Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, and Taijul Islam will be in the ranks.
The presence of this lot could be a potential boost to Najmul’s stratagem of playing good cricket over the five days to best India.
“The result happens in the last session of the five days and so if we can play good cricket we have a chance to do well in the last session.
“It is important what plans need to be executed to play well for five days, and there will be a chance to win but let's not think too far ahead and focus on our strength and how we can play good cricket.”
While many of Bangladesh’s stars shined in their historic triumph in Rawalpindi, Najmul’s form remains a concern. The batter has scored 90 runs at an average of 12.85 from four Tests this year.
Najmul was hopeful he could improve on his contributions for the side.
“My personal goal is that Bangladesh team wins and I feel as a batter if I can contribute to the team. The preparation that is required to do that, I have done.”
India remains one of the two cricketing sides along with South Africa, that Bangladesh are yet to beat in Tests. The series also carries important WTC implications, and can see major movements in the standings. India lead the table with a point percentage of 68.52, whereas Bangladesh are at the fourth place with 45.83%.