Shanto has ‘full faith’ in Tigers’ squad against Australia

Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto began Thursday's pre-tour press conference in an unusual way, turning the tables on journalists by asking what they expected from Bangladesh in the upcoming two-Test series against Australia.

"What are your expectations from our team for this Australia series? Or how do you think we will perform?" Shanto asked before the formal question-and-answer session began.

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One journalist replied, "A good display of cricket."

Shanto smiled and responded, "If I gave that answer, would you be satisfied?"

Another suggested, "A draw... even if one match ends in a draw, that would be a positive."

A third added, "Sumon [Habibul Bashar] bhai already answered. Playing with respect and earning respect."

After sharing a laugh with the media, Shanto thanked the journalists and said, "Just having some fun with you all. Alright, let's start."

The first question he faced concerned Bangladesh's injury-hit squad.

Bangladesh will be without pace spearhead Nahid Rana for the entire series, while Litton Das and Shoriful Islam have also been ruled out of the opening Test because of injuries. However, Shanto insisted he has complete faith in the players available.

"Injuries are not in anyone's control. Any player can get injured at any time. But I have full faith in the squad heading to Australia," Shanto told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

"I believe this group can play good cricket. Thinking about who could have been there or whether having someone else would have been better isn't practical right now. What matters is how well we can play with this squad and the belief we have in them -- and I have complete trust in this team."

Shanto believes Bangladesh's pace attack has enough quality to succeed in Australian conditions despite the absence of Nahid.

"Normally, in Australian conditions, the expectation remains the same. The pacers are expected to take 20 wickets. Alongside them, we have two experienced spinners who can provide good support. The pacers in the squad are capable. Apart from Musfik [Hasan], most of them are experienced and have been playing for years. If they bowl to their potential on the day, taking 20 wickets is definitely possible."

The skipper also said Bangladesh would aim to maintain the style of Test cricket they have developed in recent years while adapting quickly to unfamiliar conditions.

"We will try to maintain the brand of Test cricket we've been playing over the last few years. Conditions will be different, so adapting as quickly as possible is key. We don't have a completely different plan. The Test team is in a good place. Our primary goal is to keep moving forward, continue improving and play good cricket."

Bangladesh will play their first Test in Australia in 23 years, an opportunity Shanto hopes will help strengthen cricketing ties between the two countries.

"It's a great opportunity to play Test cricket in Australia. Bangladesh should ideally play there more frequently. While our past Test record overseas hasn't always been strong, playing competitive cricket in this series could lead to more regular tours in the future. Winning is always the primary objective, but playing competitive cricket and putting up a strong fight against a tough opponent is equally important."

Bangladesh will depart for Darwin on Friday, where they will play a three-day warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI at DXC Arena from August 6 to 8.

The first Test will be played at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin from August 13 to 17. The second Test will be held at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay from August 21 to 25, marking the venue's maiden men's Test. Both Tests are also part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle 2025-27.