Najmul Hossain Shanto has been appointed as Bangladesh captain for the Test series against New Zealand.
Shanto to lead Bangladesh for NZ Test series
Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan suffered a fracture in his left index finger during their innings against Sri Lanka in the World Cup 2023. On reviewing his medical results, BCB announced that he will be sidelined for their final league game against Australia in Pune.
He is under rehabilitation and will take three to four weeks to recover. On this occasion, BCB had decided that Shanto will be leading the side for the upcoming Test Series against Blackcaps.
BCB cricket Operations chairman Jalal Yunus announced the news on media saying, “Najmul Hossain will lead the side in the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand.”
The Bangladesh home Test series against New Zealand is set to begin on November 28 at Dhaka. Shanto led the side in two matches during the World Cup 2023, but failed to register single win.
He amassed 222 runs in nine matches they played in ICC tournament in India, which included two fifties. Bangladesh won only two matches they’ve played in 2023 edition.
Hence, Bangladesh will be out of 2025 Champions Trophy as completed their World Cup campaign in eighth position. Only the top seven teams are qualified for the Champions Trophy.
“Everyone has to take the blame for the World Cup. We have sat with the president in this regard and will be having a board meeting where it will be discussed.”
“If he is not available then we have to give it to someone and if we have to give it to someone for a long-term basis and the decision will come from the board.”
On the other hand, Litton Das will be rested for the two-match Test Series against New Zealand.
“He (Litton) wanted leave for one month and didn’t want to play two Tests as he wanted to give time to his family. We have granted it because we cannot push any player to play.”
“We wanted him to play the second Test but he insisted that he wants to give time to his family for one month. He wanted to be with his newborn baby and her mother and as he insisted several times, we approved his plea,” he concluded.
The first Test will be played between November 28 and December 02 at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
