Bangladesh Test Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto's Pre-Series Interview

Confidence Boost

We are a more confident Test unit now, said Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh's Test skipper, ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The team hopes to do well in the upcoming World Test Championship cycle.

Overseas Success

Bangladesh's four victories in the 2023-25 edition of the World Test Championship all came overseas, giving the team confidence. Najmul hopes the team can better their performances at home.

Home Tests

"We did really badly in home Tests in the previous WTC cycle. We have to win more at home. We have to do more specific planning at home," Najmul said.

Overseas Experience

Playing well overseas gives us more confidence. If we can combine the both, we can have a better WTC cycle, Najmul added.

Team Performance

"We have an opportunity to do something special in their conditions. Last time, we finished seventh (in the WTC). So now the aim is to be around 4th, 5th, or 6th. That would be really good," Najmul said.

Win Percentage

Our win percentage last cycle was around 45. If we can push that to 50, 55, or even 60 percent, as a captain I'd consider that a strong result, Najmul said.

Ebadot Hossain's Return

The skipper said he was happy with the return of Ebadot Hossain, who came back into the team after an injury-forced absence of two years.

Squad Selection

"I am happy with the Test squad. I got the players that I wanted," Najmul said.

Opening Options

Regarding the lack of opening options, you will get an idea what we are thinking once we start the first Test, Najmul said.

Bowling Attack

We have four fast bowlers and four spinners, so we have tried to balance the bowling attack too, Najmul added.

Batting Unit

Najmul also did not rule out the possibility of him opening the innings while he added that their batting unit needs to take more responsibility.

First Innings Performance

"We have to do well in the first innings of the Test match. Everyone is working hard (on their batting), but we are not getting the results," Najmul said.