Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and New Zealand captain Tim Southee pose with the trophy in Sylhet on Monday — BCB The inaugural Test of the two-match series between hosts Bangladesh and the touring New Zealand is set to kick off at Sylhet International Stadium in Sylhet on Tuesday, reports agencies.
This series marks the commencement of the new cycle of the World Test Championship, serving as both Bangladesh's first match and first home encounter in this event.
Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead Bangladesh in this series in the absence of the regular captain Shakib Al Hasan, who was sidelined due to a finger injury sustained during the World Cup. This marks Shanto's debut as the Test captain, having previously led the team in ODIs in Shakib's absence during the World Cup.
"I feel that I'm ready to lead Bangladesh in all formats," Shanto expressed in Sylhet during the pre-match press conference. "It would be beneficial if the next captain is appointed for a longer period so that he can plan accordingly."
"I will not say we are completely new, but less experienced. It was going to happen inevitably at some stage," he said.
"I would call it an opportunity for those who are young and new to the team; they should take it as a challenge," he further said.
In his inaugural Test as captain, Shanto aims for a victory and asserts that Bangladesh should plan to win all home matches in the new World Test Championship cycle. "We will have to win the home matches of the WTC and try our best to fight harder in the away matches," he emphasised.
In the previous WTC cycle (2021-2023), Bangladesh secured only one victory in 12 matches. Their last international event was the World Cup in India, where they fell short of expectations, winning only two out of nine matches. However, Shanto expresses hope for a comeback as they enter a new format.
New Zealand's captain Tim Southee said on Monday he was looking forward to his side's Test series against Bangladesh, saying he hoped the Kiwis spinners would outwit their "strong" opponents.
"The guys have a great desire for Test cricket," Southee said ahead of the opening match of the two-Test series in Bangladesh's northeastern city Sylhet on Tuesday. "They say it is the pinnacle of the game. Whenever we play Test cricket, it is always special. We love and prioritise Test cricket", he added.
New Zealand won the title of the opening World Test Championship in 2021 but finished sixth in the next cycle, which ended in 2023 with Australia beating India in the final.
The Kiwis have not won a Test in Bangladesh since their three-wicket win in Chittagong in 2008.
Their next three Tests, including both matches in a 2013 series, ended in a draw. "The start of the new cycle is exciting," Southee added. "It is a tough place to play Tests. Bangladesh are strong in these conditions."
Southee said he hoped his spinners would tip the balance in their favour.
"It is foreign conditions compared to New Zealand -- pace plays a big role in New Zealand, spin historically plays a big role in this part of the world," Southee said.
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