NEW DELHI: Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto emphasized that his team is focused on the challenge posed by South Africa, rather than the absence of star all-rounder Shakib al Hasan , ahead of Monday’s first Test in Mirpur.
“It will only be a waste of time if we think too much about this, since we cannot control it," Najmul said on Sunday, on the eve of the match near the capital Dhaka. "These two Tests are very important to us... Players are preparing and focusing on cricket only."
The two-Test series is Bangladesh’s first international cricket fixture since a student-led revolution toppled the autocratic government. Sheikh Hasina, the former premier, fled to India on August 5 as crowds stormed her palace in Dhaka, with the health ministry reporting more than 700 casualties in the violence.
South Africa, currently sixth in the World Test Championship ( WTC ) standings, will be looking to boost their points tally. Bangladesh, sitting seventh, are also eyeing crucial WTC points ahead of the final in England next year.
Bangladesh called up uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad to replace the retiring Shakib.
Last month, Shakib announced his retirement from international cricket, expressing his desire to play one final home Test series.
However, security concerns caused him to abandon those plans, given his political ties to the ousted regime, making him a target of public anger.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh will begin the series with interim coach Phil Simmons after Chandika Hathurusingha was suspended on Tuesday for alleged misconduct—charges the coach denies.
Najmul acknowledged Simmons' credentials but noted that the transition will take time.
"He is trying to understand the environment inside the dressing room," Najmul noted. "But he is new and we also don't know him well. I hope in the next few matches we can adjust.”
The second Test will begin on October 29 in the port city of Chittagong.
“It will only be a waste of time if we think too much about this, since we cannot control it," Najmul said on Sunday, on the eve of the match near the capital Dhaka. "These two Tests are very important to us... Players are preparing and focusing on cricket only."
The two-Test series is Bangladesh’s first international cricket fixture since a student-led revolution toppled the autocratic government. Sheikh Hasina, the former premier, fled to India on August 5 as crowds stormed her palace in Dhaka, with the health ministry reporting more than 700 casualties in the violence.
South Africa, currently sixth in the World Test Championship ( WTC ) standings, will be looking to boost their points tally. Bangladesh, sitting seventh, are also eyeing crucial WTC points ahead of the final in England next year.
Bangladesh called up uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad to replace the retiring Shakib.
Last month, Shakib announced his retirement from international cricket, expressing his desire to play one final home Test series.
However, security concerns caused him to abandon those plans, given his political ties to the ousted regime, making him a target of public anger.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh will begin the series with interim coach Phil Simmons after Chandika Hathurusingha was suspended on Tuesday for alleged misconduct—charges the coach denies.
Najmul acknowledged Simmons' credentials but noted that the transition will take time.
"He is trying to understand the environment inside the dressing room," Najmul noted. "But he is new and we also don't know him well. I hope in the next few matches we can adjust.”
The second Test will begin on October 29 in the port city of Chittagong.
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