Shakib Al Hasan has given encouraging words to the Bangladesh team before of their Test match against New Zealand, which begins on Tuesday in Sylhet.
Shakib is currently recovering from a finger injury sustained during Bangladesh’s World Cup game against Sri Lanka, which forced him to miss the team’s last game against Australia.
When asked if the team would miss the experienced cricketer’s services as the hosts begin the third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, stand-in captain Najmul Hossain Shanto replied, “Yes, we will definitely miss Shakib bhai, and I think every player will miss him.”
“Last night, after he called, I spoke with him. He praised the squad, encouraged them to succeed, and stated, “We should try to do whatever we are good at.”
Despite undergoing rehabilitation, the star cricketer managed to stay in the spotlight after receiving nomination from Magura-1 to represent the ruling Bangladesh Awami League in the upcoming general elections.
Meanwhile, Shanto, who has already led Bangladesh in one-day internationals, including two crucial World Cup games in India, has claimed that he is confident in taking over the Tigers’ leadership in all three formats.
“As previously stated, I believe I am capable of leading the side in all formats.”
“Whoever becomes captain should be allowed to lead the team for an extended period of time.”