|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto stated that Soumya Sarkar’s all-round abilities will be play a key role in the absence of ace allrounder Shakib al Hasan.

The regular captain Shakib has been ruled out of the white-ball series due to an injury on his finger. Apart from Shakib Bangladesh will also miss the service of experienced cricketers like Litton Das and Taskin Ahmed that opened the door to Soumya.

"I don't want to talk about any individual player. Every player is important. Soumya's role is very important. Because I think his bowling is very important along with batting. Since Shakib is not present. So bowling is important along with batting. I think the team management, the selectors have included him with this in mind. Soumya is also experienced campaigner,” said Shanto.

Bangladesh has lost 16 consecutive ODIs in New Zealand, but they hope to break the streak and recreate their successful last tour.

The captain was boosted with confidence with his new group of cricketers and said they are eager to change the past record against New Zealand in their soil.

"The condition is a bit cold, but none of us want to give this excuse. We have been here before. We have ideas. Hope it won't be too much of a problem,” he said.

"Before no Bangladeshi team could get good results in New Zealand, some group has to do it. This group of ours has that ability, everyone believes that something good will happen this time,” he added.

Bangladesh will lock horns against the host New Zealand in the first ODI on December 17.