2024-03-26 16:04:00
Bangladesh was in a strong position before entering the Sylhet Test. Confidence was high after winning the ODI series 2-1. With defeating a strong team like New Zealand in the previous Test in Sylhet, Shanto and company’s mentality was clear. Before entering the field, the captain made it clear that they want to win the match. But in the four-and-a-half-day fight, Bangladesh was not in the match even for a moment. Bangladesh lost the match by a huge margin of 328 runs due to the bat-ball power of the visiting team.
The two-match series against Sri Lanka is part of the ICC Test Championship. Bangladesh drew the series 1-1 against New Zealand. Trailing 1-0 against Sri Lanka. Losing the second match is definitely a huge loss. Tests will fall behind in the championship fight. So Bangladesh wants to win the Chittagong Test even if they give their best. Shanto said after the Sylhet Test loss, not safe cricket, the match is not for a draw. Win and want to draw the series. Shanto said, ‘I don’t want to play safe cricket as a captain. I will play to win the next match and plan accordingly.’
The squad for the second Test is yet to be announced. It is heard that Shakib Al Hasan can play in this test. Shakib has expressed interest in playing on his own. That is why he is practicing back on the field. Working on fitness. Excited to get Shakib, Shant said, ‘Of course, having a senior player is definitely a relief. If a player like Shakib bhai comes to the team. Good for every player. His experience will help our team a lot. It will be good if you return.’
Bangladesh will return from Sylhet to Chittagong with huge losses. There will definitely be changes in the team. When asked how the plan might be, Shanta did not want to say anything, ‘I will see the wicket after going to Chittagong. Then it can actually be decided whether it is necessary or not (change in XI). At the moment, I have not thought about the eleven or the plan for the next match.