Addressing the media at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday, Shanto reiterated the goal he has repeatedly stressed in recent months.
“In the conditions we get in Australia, there is certainly the expectation that they will take all 20 wickets.”
Bangladesh will be without express pacer Nahid Rana, who has been ruled out with a Grade 2 side strain, while left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam is also expected to miss the opening Test in Darwin due to a hamstring injury.
The visitors' pace department will instead rely on Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed and uncapped fast bowler Mushfik Hasan.
The squad also includes experienced spin duo Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Even without Nahid and Shoriful, Shanto believes Bangladesh possess enough quality in their attack.
“We also have two good, experienced spinners who can support the fast bowlers,” he said.
Taskin is expected to spearhead the pace attack, while Shanto also expressed confidence in debutant hopeful Mushfik Hasan.
Speaking about the overall strength of the bowling unit, the Bangladesh skipper said:
“The pacers in the squad are capable, and apart from Mushfik, everyone has been playing international cricket for many years and has a lot of experience. If they can deliver their best bowling, taking 20 wickets is definitely possible.”
