DHAKA: Bangladesh Cricket Board announced on Saturday that batter Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the national team in the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, set to commence later this month.
The decision to appoint Najmul as captain comes in the wake of regular skipper Shakib Al Hasan’s injury sustained during the World Cup in India. Additionally, Liton Das, the deputy captain, requested a month-long break to spend time with his newborn daughter.
“Liton asked for a month’s leave. He would not play two Tests… he wants to spend this month exclusively with his family,” revealed Jalal Yunus, Chief of Cricket Operations at the Bangladesh Cricket Board, during a press conference in Dhaka.
“Najmul Hossain is captain for the next two Tests,” Yunus affirmed.
Najmul Hossain Shanto as Vice-Captain
Najmul had previously served as the vice-captain of the one-day international side before the World Cup. He assumed leadership responsibilities in two matches during the tournament when Shakib was unavailable. Additionally, he led Bangladesh in the third and final one-day match against New Zealand in September, filling in for both Shakib and Liton.
New Zealand’s Test squad is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on Monday, with the first Test slated to take place in Sylhet from November 28 to December 2. The second Test will be hosted at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium from December 6 to December 10.
