Ahead of the away series against Zimbabwe, Shakib Al Hasan returned to the Bangladesh Test squad bringing energy to the team, head coach Russel Domingo says.
He missed the Sri Lanka series earlier to take part in the Indian Premeir League (IPL).
The first match of the series, the one-off Test, will take place on July 7 at the Harare Sports Club. Bangladesh played a two-day practice match ahead of the series where Shakib hit a fifty and bagged three wickets.
“Shakib looks really hungry to play Tests again. The thing that’s always the key with big players is their desire and attitude when they come into a Test series. It is great to have him back. He balances the side really well. He bats in the top six, and he is a frontline bowler. He is what every international team is looking for, so it is really pleasing to have him back. He has brought really good energy and attitude on this tour, as well,” Domingo told the media in a press conference in Harare on Monday.
Shakib played his last Test at home against the West Indies earlier this year, which was his first Test series after he returns from a two-year ban, with one year suspended, imposed by the ICC due to failing to report corrupt approaches made to him.
He missed the Sri Lanka series earlier to take part in the Indian Premeir League (IPL).
While Shakib has an obvious place in the playing XI, Bangladesh team management is concerned about Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal. Both have been suffering from injuries sustained during the Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier Division Twenty20 Cricket League last month.
However, Domingo said Mushfiq is confident of making the Test as he has been recovering well. But the inclusion of Tamim in the first Test remained doubtful.
“Mushfiq is pretty confident that he will be fit to play. He has done his rehab really well. Everything seems to be on track. I am pretty confident that he will be playing. But we are still not 100 per cent sure about Tamim. There’s still a lot of doubt regarding him. I think a decision will be made in the near future,” the Bangladesh coach added.
In the last two Test series against the West Indies and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh failed to win any match. According to Domingo, despite the defeats to the West Indies and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh managed to have some positives which can pay off now.
“We are a team that wants to focus very much on the process. If we can focus on our performances, and the brand of cricket we are playing, doing the basics well, hopefully, the results will come our way,” Domingo further added.
Bangladesh played four Tests in Harare and won only one of them. According to the head coach, if the Tigers would like to taste success in Harare, they have to show endurance and maintain the pressure for a long period of time.
“We have to be patient, disciplined, and hold on to the chances which might not come around often. When they do come, we have to be mentally ready to take those chances,” the Bangladesh coach further told the media.
Bangladesh and Zimbabwe locked horns in 17 Tests, with Bangladesh winning seven of them, and Zimbabwe also won as many Tests. The other matches ended up in draw.
After the Test series, both the teams will take on each other in three ODIs and as many T20Is. All the matches of the series will take place at the Harare Sports Club. Test and ODIs will start at 1:30 pm (Bangladesh time) while T20Is will be commenced at 4:30 pm (Bangladesh time).
Source: United News of Bangladesh
