Liton Das was supposed to be willing to simply focus on his job as a batter, according to the stories that were published in the media, hence it was reported that he had reservations about leading Bangladesh in Tests.
But as he came into the press conference room at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Monday, Liton, who is going to be the 12th Test skipper of the nation on Wednesday during the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mirpur, the 28-year-old appeared composed and ready for the assignment. The match will take place in Mirpur.
“Nothing of sorts was there,” Liton stated, brushing away the assumptions regarding his hesitancy in taking on the position of leadership.
“As the deputy captain of a side, at times I had to function as the captain and lead the team for two or three overs when [Test skipper] Shakib [Al Hasan] was off the field,” he said. “This was because Shakib [Al Hasan] was the vice captain of a side. “Therefore, I’ve never felt any anxiety about leading the team,” Liton declared with self-assurance.
Liton stated that he has not yet experienced the enthusiasm that is typically associated with being the captain of a cricket team.
“Let’s see, if I get such a feeling [of excitement] when I walk out for the toss,” Liton added. “Let’s see, if I get such a feeling [of excitement].” Being a captain undoubtedly provides one with a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Being a Test cricket player is a source of pride in and of itself since everyone places such an importance on Test cricket. Therefore, to head the country in this particular style is undoubtedly a significant accomplishment.
The Afghanistan Test is going to be a difficult challenge for Liton, especially considering the manner in which the Tigers were thrashed in the lone and only Test match ever played between these two teams in 2019, which took place in Chattogram. At that particular occasion, constructing a rank turner to play against an Afghan team that relied heavily on spin had resulted in a pounding of 224 runs.
This time around, things are not going to be the same as they were before.
In Mirpur, our games are typically played on spinning wickets. But the difficulty this time will come from figuring out how we might perform better on a green surface. “The challenge for us will be figuring out how to remain in the game and play significant innings,” Liton added.
Liton believes that veteran campaigner Mushfiqur Rahim will have a significant role to play in providing stability at the top of the order in the absence of star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who will not be participating in the Test due to a finger injury, and Tamim Iqbal, whose participation is doubtful owing to back difficulties.
The previous time that Bangladesh played Afghanistan, the brilliant legspinner Rashid Khan took 11 wickets and became the team’s major destructor. This victory put Bangladesh in first place. However, according to Liton, the Tigers’ strategy won’t change in any way despite the fact that Rashid won’t be playing in the one and only test.
“We will take Afghanistan just as seriously as we would have taken them if Rashid [Khan] was around,” he continued. “We will be taking Afghanistan just as seriously.”