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Najmul Hossain Shanto has called for more focus as Bangladesh are set to return to Test cricket after a four-and-a-half-month break when they lock horns against Ireland in the first of the two-Test series at the Sylhet International Stadium today.

The two teams faced off only once before in the longest format of the game, and that was in 2023 in Dhaka, where the Tigers won by seven wickets.

This two-match series will not be included in the ICC Test Championship, as Ireland are not a part of it. So far, Bangladesh have played only two Tests in the current WTC cycle, earning just one point.

However, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto stressed the importance of these two matches, as their next assignment is in March next year.

‘We have a detailed plan on what we want to do in this cycle of the Test Championship. The ultimate goal is to win more matches than the previous one,’ Shanto told the reporters ahead of the first Test in Sylhet on Monday.

‘But we play Test cricket with long intervals. Because our next Test will be in April next year, as far as I can remember [the schedule]. So how well we can play in these two matches will be important,’ he added. 

Shanto also said that this series would boost their confidence level if they can play well.

‘Our Test team is settled, bar one or two players. And our pacers do play by rotation. So there’s nothing like extra-planning. But if we can play well, then this will give us extra-confidence,’ said Shanto.

The Bangladesh captain also reminded everyone that they needed to be more focused, as they don’t meet Ireland regularly.

‘It’s important to have that extra-focus. And if you see their batting order, they do have the ability to play big innings. Some of them have played county cricket, too,’ said Shanto.

Bangladesh’s recent memory in Sylhet also hasn’t been something to cherish, as they lost to Zimbabwe in April.

However, Shanto stated that their team management instructed the curator to prepare a sporting wicket.

‘I hope that the wicket will be sporting. But it can be surprising at any time. How the wicket will behave, how the weather and the condition on that day – so many things are there that matters,’ said Shanto.

The Bangladesh captain also expressed his excitement on the occasion of Mushfiqur Rahim’s 99th Test.

He said, ‘In Test cricket, we always prioritise the experience. He always helps us. So, we are very excited. Personally, I want to celebrate and enjoy these two Tests together.’ 

‘Especially the 100th one; if he can play in good health, then we will celebrate together for five days. We want to enjoy [the occasion]. So I am hopeful that he will be fit and will play these two Test matches,’ he added.