Dhaka – After the poor show in the three-match ODI series, Bangladesh are now preparing for the toughest part of the series– three-match Test battle — against hosts New Zealand.
The first Test of the series will take the field on February 28. Before that, the Tigers are set to play a two-day practice match against New Zealand XI.
In the ODI series, Bangladesh suffered a humiliating defeat. They were rudderless in the limited-overs series due to the off-form of top players like Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudulah Riyad, though the team were in a dire need of their top-class performance with the absence of Shakib Al Hasan who was ruled out of the series due to a finger injury which he sustained during the final of Bangladesh Premier League on February 8 in Dhaka.
However, the Tigers are confident of bouncing back in the Test series. Abu Jayed Rahi, the right-arm pacer, said on Friday they are hoping a good show in the three-match Test series.
“It has been 12-14 days we have come here. I think we have adapted to the condition now. It was enough time for that. Now, we are confident of doing well in the Tests,” Abu Jayed said while talking to the media.
“Our main focus will be to deliver at the right areas and to take 20 wickets. It is important to take all the wickets of the opponents to win a Test match. In fact, we are getting prepared to do that against the Kiwis,” the right arm pacer further said.
Like the other Asian teams, Bangladesh are also facing problems to get accustomed with the heavy wind of New Zealand.
Abu Jayed said they are yet to find a way to deliver the balls at the right areas. He also said the heavy wind is a big problem for the touring bowlers in New Zealand.
The first Test of the series will take place at Hamilton from February 28 while the second and the final Tests will be played from March 8 and 16 respectively.
ODI captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza returned home on Thursday night after the ODI series along with Shafiul Islam and Mohammad Saifuddin. Rubel Hossain and Sabbir Rahman also left New Zealand for Dhaka on Friday.
Bangladesh Test squad: Mahmudullah Riyad (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mohammad Mithun, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Jayed Rahi, Khaled Ahmed, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadat Hossain and Soumya Sarkar.
