Najmul Shanto lauds sporting wicket in Sylhet

Bangladesh's skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto said on Friday that they would prefer playing on sporting wickets at home.

The pitch in Sylhet offered spin, movement off the seam, and plenty of runs for the batters as the host secured an innings-and-47-run victory over Ireland to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

"It's not like we wanted a spin-friendly wicket. We wanted a sporting wicket, and that's what we got. Even after three or four days, the wicket still looked pretty good," said Najmul. "It depends on what the opponent is like. But I always believe that if there is an opportunity, playing on a sporting wicket is very important. But yes, ultimately, you also have to consider that this is international Test cricket. So, winning the match is also important.

"Whatever advantages can be taken [in home conditions] to win [are okay]… But I think a sporting wicket is very good. If you look at the wicket for this match, it was very good for batting, and there was help for the bowlers—from pacers to spinners, everyone. So, a wicket like this is good for the whole team."

Now, whether Bangladesh will have a spin-friendly wicket in Mirpur, the host venue for the second Test from November 19, remains to be seen.

"In Mirpur, against any opponent, any bowling, there is always a challenge. There is no scope to think separately or additionally. The challenge will be there, but how we handle that challenge is important. And the way we played this match, I hope this confidence will be useful in Mirpur," said Najmul.

Najmul praised the performance of debutant Hasan Murad and returning opening batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy.

"He (Murad) plays first-class cricket every year and performs consistently and his stats are very good, and to show that much patience in a place like Bangladesh as a spinner is a big deal. The way he bowled after coming in was worth watching," the captain said.

"Coming back after being dropped and playing such a big innings in the first match was actually very tough for him [Joy], but the way he batted, it didn't even feel like he was making a comeback. That's a positive aspect. I think Joy has made a lot of changes to himself in terms of mindset, and I hope he plays with this mentality against all teams in the future," he said.

Murad finished with four wickets in Ireland's second innings, taking his match tally to six, and played a crucial role in wrapping up the visitors' innings with precision and composure. On the other end, Joy made a remarkable return to the team after being dropped, scoring a commanding 171 in Bangladesh's massive first-innings total.

Najmul added that they are eagerly waiting to play the Mirpur Test alongside Mushfiqur Rahim, who is set to become the first from the country to feature in 100 Tests.

"It's definitely a very big achievement. I am very excited. As players, we want to enjoy that day or those whole five days. There is a place for respect, we always believe that such an achievement has never happened in Bangladesh," said Najmul.

"So, we always hope that such a person should be given the highest respect. And as a captain, I will try to do that. Also, I hope that even after Mushfiq bhai plays his 100th, he continues to play for the team more. Because we need such experienced players in our Test team. So, I hope he continues that," he added.