India are the toughest opponent, but it is more important to think only about themselves, which is the mantra of the Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, as the first of the two-Test series starts in Chennai today.聽
After beating Pakistan, India are only among the two teams that Bangladesh haven鈥檛 been able to beat yet. Bangladesh have managed only two draws in the previous 13 matches against the table-toppers of the ICC World Test Championship.聽聽
India, who are unbeaten for 17 consecutive series at home, will be a hard nut to crack as per Shanto. But he only wants to focus on themselves.聽
鈥榃e all agree that India are the hardest opponent. But it is important to think about ourselves, what our strengths are rather than thinking about the opponent,鈥� said Shanto in the pre-match press conference in Chennai on Wednesday.
鈥業 believe that our team has that capability to play well here. A match is played over five days, how we can play well [for five days that is important].鈥櫬�
Bangladesh will be aiming to upset India, but Shanto said that they don鈥檛 want to think about it throughout the game.聽
鈥楾hey [India] are a quality side. They cover all the bases鈥攂atting, bowling, and fielding. But we are not thinking about the opposition and the condition,鈥� he said.聽
鈥榃e are thinking about us. If we can execute our plans through the process, then it will be a good match.聽
鈥榃e will be playing to win. We will do what is needed for the win. But if you talk about the result, we will think about that in the last session of the fifth day. Before that, we will try to play according to our strengths.鈥櫬�
Historically, the wicket at the MA Chidambaram Stadium has been spin friendly. But Shanto didn鈥檛 seem to be concerned about the pitch, whether it was pace or spin-friendly, because he believes their bowling attack is well-balanced.
鈥榃e have an experienced spin attack鈥�, he said. 鈥楩or the last few years, the pace department has been great. We know they are not that experienced. But they are able.聽聽
鈥業鈥檓 not thinking about pace or spin. Whichever the condition we will be given, we will try to adapt quickly. I hope that our players will adapt quickly and do well for the team.鈥櫬�
鈥楢s I said, we are not thinking about the result. We are only thinking about the processes. The 5-6 bowlers we have are all capable of bowling long spells. I hope they will do their job,鈥� he added.聽
So it remains to be seen what bowling combination Bangladesh would use. Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, both spin bowling all-rounders, are almost certainly going to play. If Bangladesh decides to play a third spinner, Taijul Islam may come to the fore.
Shanto hasn鈥檛 confirmed who will be their openers also. After Mahmudul Hasan got injured, Zakir Hossain and Shadman Islam opened in Pakistan.聽
Mahmudul is fit now, and Shanto hoped that the openers would do well.
鈥楢ll the three openers have prepared well. I hope those two who will play, will do well for the team,鈥� he said.
Shakib has joined the team in Chennai after playing one first-class match with English county Surrey. Shanto said that he was in good shape.
