Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto emphasized unity, communication, and intentional preparation as the Tigers finished their Test against Ireland at Shere Bangla Stadium, Mirpur, shifting their focus to a tough Pakistan series ahead, reports the Daily Sun.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Shanto addressed discussions surrounding leadership roles within the team. He made it clear that personal designations matter far less than the collective direction of the squad.
“I already clarified that before. I have received the captaincy now. Regarding the vice-captaincy, the cricket board has again made a decision. We had some brief conversations. However, as I mentioned earlier, the team is bigger than me, the individual, Najmul Hossain Shanto. So, keeping the team in mind, I have returned to this position. I will try my best to fulfill the responsibility that I have properly.”
With a lengthy gap before their next Test assignment, Shanto admitted that preparation for red-ball cricket remains one of Bangladesh’s biggest challenges.
“This is very difficult. But as professional cricketers, there is really nothing we can do about it,” he said. “What we always do, or what I want to do as a captain, is to ensure proper communication among everyone, and that our individual practice sessions are conducted purposefully.”
“If we have the opportunity to play any four-day matches before the Pakistan series that would be ideal. I'm unsure if that chance will arise, but I believe we should make our individual practice sessions purposeful. We will face some challenges, and if every player communicates properly with one another, discussing their shortcomings and areas for improvement, I believe the challenges will be more manageable,” the Test captain added.
Shanto finally concluded, “My only expectation from the cricket board is that we get practice facilities purposefully, and according to the challenges we face,” he said. “We would certainly hope to play a series, a four-day match, against a foreign team, or a domestic tournament like the one we played before the BCL, during such a long gap. If we get chances to play these kinds of matches, even after the First-Class season, it becomes a bit easier for everyone to stay in the groove.”
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
