Najmul backs Taskin ahead of Test comeback after prolonged absence

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain has backed pace bowler Taskin Ahmed, who is returning to Test cricket after an absence of nearly two years.

Taskin, who played his last red-ball game against West Indies in 2024, is included in the opening Test of the two-match series against Pakistan, scheduled at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from May 8.

"He (Taskin) has prepared very well. The preparation was a bit difficult because the weather was bad, but he managed his workload and bowled as much as needed," Najmul told reporters on Thursday.

"He bowled indoors for a few days, but whenever he got the chance, he did his work. He is a very experienced cricketer and knows what needs to be done for his preparation. The physio and trainer are happy, providing very good feedback. I hope Taskin will bowl well in this Test match."

"The best part is Taskin always wants to play Test cricket. Unfortunately, keeping fitness, injury issues, or workload management in mind, we cannot always include him. Before this Test, there was a long discussion with the trainer and physio, and he is fit to play. Whenever Taskin is in the team, it becomes easier for the captain. With that expectation, Taskin is back, and I hope he will do well in this series."

Najmul said other pacers are aware of their roles and feels their pace unit is better than Pakistan's.

Regarding aggressive opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who earned his maiden Test call-up for the series opener, Najmul said he won't ask him to change his game style.

"We have been discussing Tanzid Tamim for a long time. The new selector made a very good decision. I do not want anyone to change their natural game. Scoring runs is important—whether it takes 80 overs or 120 overs to score 400, it does not matter."

Najmul said he expects a sporting wicket in the Test series and hopes to finish fourth or fifth in the next Test cycle.

"It is very important. We have played good cricket over the last two years, finishing in seventh place. We are slowly improving. This year, the target is to finish fourth or fifth. There are challenges, including several away tours like Australia and South Africa, but the home series are extremely important."

"We expect a good wicket. Our bowling attack is experienced and our Test batting lineup is quite settled. A proper sporting wicket will be highly beneficial for us. In the pace bowling department, both teams have strong attacks. If I had to say, our pace attack has been slightly ahead in the last few years based on performance."

Najmul said they are not thinking too far ahead and want to remain in the present.

"I never personally think about plans like a whitewash. It is a 10-day game split into two five-day matches. My focus is on how we can play better and more competitive cricket than them over these 10 days. The process is much more important than thinking about the outcome."