Shanto aims Test series triumph against formidable India

|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh set high hopes ahead of the two-match Test series against India as captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto want his side to feel confident facing ‘tough’ opponent India in the first match, on Thursday.

Bangladesh are coming off a historic series sweep 2-0 over Pakistan, a team they had never beaten before in the Test format. Shanto boosted confidence by stating that they want to play the best brand of cricket and take both of the games to the end in order to secure positive results.

The challenge will be greater against India, as they have never lost a home Test series since 2012. In their 13 previous encounters with Bangladesh, India has won 11 matches, with two matches ending in draws—one in Chittagong in 2007 and the other in Fatullah in 2015.

“India is a tough opponent. It is important to think about ourselves rather than worrying about the opposition. We should think about what our strengths are. I believe we have the ability to play good cricket. And we know how we can play the best brand of cricket for five days.”

“There is only one goal, we want to win both matches. Every team plays to win. We will do everything necessary to win. We have to think about the result at the end of the fifth day’s last session. Before that, we have to play according to our capabilities,” said Shanto in the pre-match conference.

Shanto remarked that the Tigers got well accustomed to the unfamiliar SG ball after having a few practice at Chennai and they are ready to overcome the challenge.

“We've practised with the SG ball. After coming here, we had a few sessions. The batters tried to adjust with the ball very well. There will be challenges. Everyone has been playing international cricket for a long time. Everyone is prepared to take the challenge. I don't think there is any reason to be worried,” he said.

He stated that his side is well aware of India's strength, but they prefer to concentrate on their own capabilities rather than thinking about their opponents.

"I think they are a very quality side and we all know that. I think they covered all the bases like batting, bowling and fielding. But we aren't thinking about the condition and the opponent to be very honest. We are just thinking about ourselves. If we can follow our plan and execute our plan, it will be a very very good game," he added.

The first Test begins on September 19 in Chennai. After Chennai, the second Test begins in Kanpur on September 27 with both part of the World Test Championship. India lead the current standings ahead of Australia.

The Tests are followed by a three-match Twenty20 series starting in Gwalior on October 6, moving to New Delhi three days later and finishing in Hyderabad on October 12.