Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain has thrown his backing behind fast bowler Taskin Ahmed ahead of his return to Test cricket, saying the pace spearhead has prepared well despite challenging weather conditions. Taskin, who last played a red-ball match against West Indies in 2024 and has not featured in any longer-format domestic games since, is set to be part of Bangladesh’s opening Test against Pakistan of a two-match series starting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on May 8.
Taskin’s comeback and workload management
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Najmul stressed that Taskin’s preparation has been handled carefully, with attention on managing workload and fitness. He noted that while the weather made things difficult, the bowler still completed the required work to be ready for the demands of Test cricket.
Najmul also described how Taskin trained indoors for several days, and whenever circumstances allowed, he did the bowling work himself. The Bangladesh captain said the team’s physical staff and support group were satisfied with the feedback they received, adding that Taskin’s experience should help him settle quickly in the match.
- Najmul said Taskin’s preparation has been “very well” planned, even though bad weather created hurdles.
- The Bangladesh captain highlighted that Taskin managed his workload and bowled as much as needed for a Test return.
- He explained that Taskin did part of his training indoors for a few days, but completed his work whenever he got the chance.
- Najmul stated that the physio and trainer were happy with the feedback, and that Taskin is fit to play.
- He pointed out that Taskin always wants to play Test cricket, but selections are sometimes affected by fitness, injury concerns, or workload management.
- Najmul added that Taskin delivered strongly in the most recent series against West Indies, which gives confidence ahead of Pakistan.
Impact on the captain and expectations for the series
Najmul said Taskin’s presence in the side makes the captain’s job easier, describing the bowler as someone who consistently brings extra effort for the team. He expressed confidence that Taskin can contribute effectively in the opening Test and in the series overall.
He also indicated that Bangladesh’s other pacers know their roles clearly, and that he believes the pace unit is stronger than Pakistan’s. While acknowledging that Pakistan are traditionally known for pace, Najmul said Bangladesh’s fast bowling group has improved significantly and deserves credit for its recent performances.
- Najmul said Taskin’s inclusion provides the captain with more support and “extra effort” for the team.
- He felt Bangladesh’s pace attack is better than Pakistan’s, while still respecting Pakistan’s reputation for fast bowling.
- Najmul stated that Pakistan are a strong pace-bowling side, but Bangladesh’s quicks have improved a lot in recent years.
- He said that, if he had to compare, Bangladesh’s fast attack has been slightly ahead based on how both sides have been performing.
Thoughts on batting plans and Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s approach
Najmul addressed the question of whether opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim should adjust his style to fit Test cricket after earning his maiden call-up. Tamim was named in the 15-member squad for the series opener against Pakistan, and Najmul said he does not want the player to change his natural game.
The Bangladesh captain said the team has discussed Tanzid’s transition for some time and praised the decision by the new selectors. He underlined the importance of the first innings and stressed that while scoring 400 or more is excellent on a good wicket, every batter has a different approach and there is no need to force a change in style.
- Najmul said he has been discussing Tanzid Hasan Tamim for a long time.
- He praised the new selectors’ decision to include Tanzid in the Test squad for the opener against Pakistan.
- Najmul said the first innings is crucial for a team in both batting and bowling.
- He added that on favourable conditions, reaching 400 or above is “excellent,” but emphasized that styles differ between players.
- Najmul said he does not want anyone to alter their natural game.
- He noted that the number of overs needed to reach 400—whether 80 or 120—does not matter as long as the runs are made.
Wicket expectations, Test cycle goals, and series mindset
Looking ahead, Najmul said he expects a sporting wicket for the Test series and believes that such conditions would suit Bangladesh’s mix of experienced bowlers and a stable batting line-up. He said multiple batters have been playing in the format for a long time, and that Bangladesh’s Test batting group is settled after playing several series together.
On the bigger picture, Najmul said Bangladesh are not thinking about sweeping outcomes at this stage. He described the series as a 10-day challenge split into two five-day matches and said the team’s focus is on playing better and more competitive cricket over those days rather than fixating on results.
He also spoke about Bangladesh’s recent progress, pointing to their improvement over the last two years, including a finish in seventh place. Najmul said the target for this year is to end in fourth or fifth position in the next cycle, while acknowledging that away tours such as Australia and South Africa will pose fresh challenges. He stressed that home series remain extremely important.
- Najmul said Bangladesh expect a sporting wicket and believes it will benefit both their pacers and spinners.
- He described Bangladesh’s Test batting lineup as settled, with players who have shared multiple series together.
- Najmul said Bangladesh’s bowling attack is experienced and offers quality regardless of the wicket.
- He emphasized that the team’s target for the next cycle is to finish fourth or fifth.
- Najmul referenced Bangladesh’s improvement over the last two years, including finishing seventh, and said the side is slowly progressing.
- He highlighted challenges ahead, including away tours to Australia and South Africa.
- Najmul underlined that home series are vital to achieving their goals.
Concluding his comments, Najmul said there is no point thinking about a whitewash. He explained that the immediate focus is on how Bangladesh can compete better over the 10 days, and that the process matters more than the outcome.
