'Spinners can do the job'
Mehedi Hasan Miraz exuded confidence about taking a leadership role in the spin attack in the absence of the injured Shakib Al Hasan against the visiting Zimbabweans in the first Test starting on November 3, which will also be the first to be played at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
"It's unfortunate that we will miss the services of our two senior cricketers [Shakib and Tamim Iqbal] in the two-match Test series," Mehedi told reporters yesterday.
"The presence of Shakib Bhai, especially, always gave me additional confidence during my bowling but we have two other spinners [Taijul Islam and Nazmul Islam] and I am confident that we can do the job together," he continued.
Selector Habibul Bashar was also optimistic about a good showing in the Test series in the absence of the two stalwarts.
"The absences of Shakib or Tamim will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the team but we played good cricket in the ODI series without them and I hope everyone will play their part in the Test series," hoped Bashar.
Mehedi said that the spinners may get assistance from the Sylhet pitch.
"The pitch was covered yesterday due to rain but from what I saw today, the ball may turn here. This is a new Test venue and fortunately we have got enough time to get accustomed to the conditions here," observed Mehedi.
"Our target is to win the Test match and we have to do well in both innings and all departments. We can in no way underestimate Zimbabwe as they are a good team. We won the ODI series because we played good cricket," he said, adding that they were excited about the country's beautiful new Test venue.
Drawing from past experience, Bashar said that there will be turn and bounce on the pitch. "I believe the wicket will be good. There was always something in the pitch when I watched first-class matches here. I hope it will be a very good Test match as it's a sporting wicket with turn and bounce," said the former national captain.
Bashar also echoed Mehedi's sentiment, saying that Bangladesh's main target would be to win the Test. "Spin is our major strength. But we also have a good pace attack. I also hope that the two local boys [Khaled Ahmed and Abu Jayed] will enjoy the game if they get the chance. Basically, our main target is to win the Test, whether it is the spinners or the pacers who help us do that."
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