In Short
- Bangladesh and Afghanistan are set to face in a one-off Test in Mirpur
- Bangladesh have 5 specialist pacers in their ranks
- The pitch in Mirpur is expected to assist pacers
By India Today Sports DeskLitton Das is aware of the challenges Bangladesh will face in their Only Test against Afghanistan to be played from Wednesday, June 14 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
The pitch at the venue is mostly known for helping spinners to a large extent. But this time around, a green track has been prepared. Litton, who became his country’s 12th Test skipper, said that playing on a grassy surface will test the skills of the Bangladesh batters.
“Mirpur (SBNS) always has had turning wickets when we played here. So our challenge will be how we play better on grassy wicket and how we bowl. It’s normal that we will have to play on a different kind of wicket for a team like this. About what Afghanistan captain said (that they have quality pacers), we also have quality pace attack. So let’s see,” Litton told the reporters.
“For the time being we are thinking for this series only (to play on a green-top wicket). First of all, the overcast conditions we are seeing, we will decide depending on that. Everyone knows that when you have a green wicket and this kind of weather, what kind of decision might be taken. We are all seeing that they will be seaming conditions, so we will try to attack from the first hour,” he stated.
Bangladesh have five specialist fast bowlers in their ranks, including the likes of Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed. They also called up 20-year-old speedster Mushfik Hasan, who has 49 wickets to his name from 13 matches with three five-wicket hauls.
Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are the only two spin-bowling options. Shakib Al Hasan isn’t a part of the match as he is still recovering from his finger injury.
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