After being inducted in Test cricket back in 2017, Najmul Hossain Shanto had played nine innings in international cricket but failed to replicate the performance that he had displayed in age-level cricket until the ongoing Dhaka Test when he hit his maiden fifty for the Tigers.
The southpaw said it was due to the promise of getting sufficient chances to play for the national side.
In his four-year international career, Shanto was axed from the side more than once for his lean show. The batsman said to the media at the end of day two of Dhaka Test that he had a fear of being kicked out during his early days in international cricket which prevented him from playing good cricket.
“There was a fear of getting kicked out in the previous games I played for the national team. Many things were in my mind when I got my maiden Test cap in 2017 in New Zealand. But, now I have been trying to play well on a regular basis. The coaching staff is advising me not to think much about being out of the team. They told me that I will get enough chances. This assurance is helping me to be comfortable and shift the focus only on my game,” Najmul told the media on Sunday.
“My mentality has changed a lot. I used to rush when I got my maiden call in the national team. But now, I try to stay calm and focused, I try to play with patience,” Shanto added.
Shanto looked comfortable against the bowling attack of Zimbabwe. Many assumed the southpaw would score a ton. But he was dismissed by Charlton Tshuma after scoring 71.
“Of course, there was a good chance since the wicket is good. In the end, I am happy with the way I have batted. But I should have played a big knock as the wicket was really good to bat on. I will try my best if I get another chance,” the batsman added.
In reply of Zimbabwe’s first innings of 265, Bangladesh posted 240 for three at the end of day two.
Shanto believes if the two unbeaten batsmen, Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim continue batting as well as they did on the second day, Bangladesh might get a substantial lead.UNB
