We are a more confident Test unit now - Najmul

Atif Azam

Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has voiced his optimism regarding his team's prospects in the upcoming World Test Championship cycle, speaking ahead of their two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins in Galle on June 12.

Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed hope that the team will do well in the upcoming cycle of the World Test Championship © BCB

While Bangladesh managed only one victory in the 2021-23 cycle, their performance improved in the 2023-25 edition, securing four wins.

Najmul emphasized that these four victories, achieved overseas, have instilled a sense of confidence within the team. He also expressed the desire to improve their home performance.

"We performed poorly in home Tests during the previous WTC cycle. We need to secure more wins at home and implement more specific strategies," Najmul stated on Thursday (June 12). "Our success overseas boosts our confidence. If we can combine both home and away form, we can have a more successful WTC cycle."

He added, "I believe we have talented cricketers. We performed well in the last cycle, particularly away from home. We have positive memories in Sri Lanka, where we won our 100th Test match."

Najmul further noted, "We have a chance to achieve something special in their conditions. Last time, we finished seventh in the WTC. Our goal is to be around 4th, 5th, or 6th. That would be a significant improvement. Our win percentage in the last cycle was approximately 45%. As captain, I would consider a push towards 50, 55, or even 60 percent a strong result."

"We are a more confident unit after securing four Test wins in the last WTC cycle. This added confidence is crucial against a strong Sri Lankan team. If we perform to our full potential, we can start this cycle positively," he concluded.

The captain also welcomed the return of Ebadot Hossain, who rejoins the team after a two-year absence due to injury. "We have missed Ebadot for a long time. He was injured at his peak. Despite having other bowlers, we faced challenges. I am delighted to see him back in the squad. He adds strength to the team. He bowled well in the practice match and looks fit, so he needs to maintain his fitness to contribute to the team," Najmul said, expressing satisfaction with the selected squad.

"I am happy with the Test squad. I have the players I wanted. Regarding the limited opening options, our strategy will become clear once the first Test begins. You will understand our combination. We have also balanced the bowling attack with four fast bowlers and four spinners, allowing us to explore different combinations."

Najmul didn't dismiss the possibility of opening the innings himself and stressed the need for greater responsibility from the batting unit. "I am ready to bat in any position. We have other top-order batters, providing us with options. It is disappointing that our main batters aren't scoring runs, but we won four games despite [Mehidy Hasan] Miraz being our top-scorer batting at No.7 or 8. More contributions from the top and middle order will increase our chances of winning matches."

"We need to perform well in the first innings of Test matches. Everyone is working hard on their batting, but the results aren't showing yet. They are committed to regaining their form. More runs from the top-order will help us win more matches," Najmul added.